Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has confirmed he will leave the club when his contract finishes this summer.
The Austrian revealed the news ahead of Saturday’s match at Sunderland. He explained he told Palace owner Steve Parish back in October that he would not sign a new deal.
Glasner said he and Parish agreed to keep the decision private until now due to the team’s busy schedule. He informed the players on Friday before their trip.
“A decision has already been taken, months ago,” Glasner said. “I told him I will not sign a new contract. We agreed it was best to keep it between us.”
He stated his main reason for leaving is a desire for a “new challenge.” He insisted his choice is not related to the club’s recent transfer business and confirmed he has not spoken to any other club about a future job.
“I haven’t spoken to any other club,” he said. “I promised the players today I will give my best to have the best season in Crystal Palace history.”
Glasner added that he actually wanted to announce his departure before the January transfer window opened. This was to stop rumours that the club’s winter signings influenced his choice. However, he was persuaded that timing was not right.
He hopes the clarity will help the team, which is currently on a run of nine games without a win.
“I felt this was a good moment to maybe help get the turnaround to start winning,” Glasner said. “That’s the best thing we can do for Crystal Palace.”
The manager will now focus on finishing the season strongly, with Palace still competing in the Conference League.