Glasner: FA Cup Triumph Would Mean More to Palace Than to Man City

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has claimed that winning the FA Cup final on Saturday would hold greater significance for his club than for opponents Manchester City, as the Eagles aim to lift a major trophy for the first time in their history.

While Pep Guardiola’s side are targeting their 19th piece of silverware under the Spaniard’s leadership, Palace are chasing a long-awaited breakthrough after losing both their previous appearances in the final—against Manchester United in 1990 and 2016.

Speaking ahead of the Wembley clash, Glasner acknowledged City’s hunger to salvage silverware from what has been a relatively disappointing campaign by their high standards, but argued that Palace’s desire may run even deeper.

“If something is the first time in your life, then maybe it means more to you than when you have it every single year,” said Glasner.

“Under Pep, how many trophies they have won, how many finals they have played—it’s definitely more than Crystal Palace have. But for players, a manager, and a club, winning a trophy is always a great achievement.”

The Austrian coach made it clear he expects no favours from City despite the contrasting stakes. “I don’t expect they will wave the white flag and say, ‘OK, it’s Crystal Palace’s first title, you should get it.’ I think they will fight to win it.”

Palace’s run to the final included a commanding 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-final, and they also drew 2-2 with City in the Premier League earlier this season at Selhurst Park. Though they were beaten 5-2 in the reverse fixture, Glasner remains optimistic.

“It’s football—so many things can happen,” he said. “We want to do it in our way, and then I think we have the best chances to win the final.”

Glasner confirmed that midfielder Adam Wharton, a key figure in Palace’s midfield this season, is expected to return after missing the Premier League win over Tottenham.

With Wembley set to welcome a crowd of 90,000 and millions more watching on television, Glasner said his team are prepared for the challenge. “Nobody knows the result, but we feel ready to win it.”