Crystal Palace kicked off their return to European competition with a hard-fought 1-0 win over Fredrikstad in the Europa Conference League, but it was post-match comments—not the goal—that stole the spotlight. While manager Oliver Glasner made a passionate plea to keep star defender Marc Guehi at the club, chairman Steve Parish offered a more pragmatic view, hinting that key sales may be inevitable to stay within financial regulations.
Mateta Strikes as Palace Open European Campaign With Victory
Jean-Philippe Mateta etched his name into the club’s history books by scoring Crystal Palace’s first-ever goal in European competition, guiding them to a narrow win in their Europa Conference League opener. His 28th-minute header—capitalizing on a deflected shot from Will Hughes—was the difference-maker in a game that highlighted both Palace’s control and their struggles to break down a deep-lying Fredrikstad defense.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, the Eagles were made to work for the win. Mateta struck the post later in the match, and Daniel Muñoz’s powerful header rattled the crossbar, underscoring a night of near-misses and wasted opportunities.
Eze Departure Looms as Glasner Closes the Door
Absent from the squad was Eberechi Eze, who is on the verge of completing a high-profile move to Arsenal. Glasner didn’t mince words when addressing the attacking midfielder’s future:
Ebs will not play for us anymore, so it does not make sense to talk about him. It’s gone.
Oliver Glasner
Eze’s imminent exit marks a significant loss for the squad, and Glasner’s blunt acknowledgment of the situation revealed just how far along the transfer has progressed.
Glasner Draws the Line: “Marc Guehi Has to Stay”
With Eze already on his way out, Glasner was emphatic that no further key departures can be allowed. His message was clear: losing Marc Guehi would be a step too far.
Marc Guehi has to stay, We are very, very late to find replacements… If Marc leaves, maybe I’ll try my boots because I was a centre-back.
Oliver Glasner
The Austrian coach voiced concern over the squad’s depth, warning that the team is already operating on a knife’s edge. The loss of Guehi, he implied, could have serious consequences for the club’s competitive prospects this season.
Parish Offers a Stark Reality Check
However, Chairman Steve Parish struck a markedly different tone just minutes later. Speaking to Channel 5, Parish acknowledged that financial realities might force the club’s hand.
If Marc Guehi wants to sign a contract, he can stay, But it’s a difficult situation; everyone has to sell players to comply with the rules.
Steve Parish
Parish went on to praise Eze’s contributions and hinted that his sale could provide the resources to rebuild:
He’s been fantastic for the club… We have to try and use the money and give ourselves a stronger base.
Steve Parish
While Glasner is focused on preserving what remains of his squad, Parish’s comments suggest a willingness to adapt, even if that means letting another star go.
A Win Overshadowed by Internal Uncertainty
Crystal Palace may have secured a valuable European victory, but the scenes off the pitch reveal a club at a crossroads. With the transfer window closing in fast, the disconnect between manager and chairman could define the rest of the season. Glasner wants to build; Parish may need to balance the books.
How Palace navigates the final days of the window will determine whether this is a team ready to compete on multiple fronts—or one entering a season of transition.
