Crystal Palace Manager Oliver Glasner ‘Surprised’ by Shelbourne’s First-Half Tactics

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner admitted he was taken aback by Shelbourne’s willingness to build from the back during the first half of Thursday night’s Europa Conference League clash at Tallaght Stadium.

The Eagles secured a convincing 3–0 victory, extinguishing any faint hopes Shelbourne had of progressing to the play-off round. First-half goals from Christantus Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino settled the contest with authority.

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Glasner reflected on the tactical pattern of the game and suggested his side ultimately benefitted from Shelbourne’s approach. The Austrian’s attention now shifts to Sunday’s Premier League meeting with Manchester City at Selhurst Park.

“Mostly, I was a little bit surprised that they tried to build up so often,” Glasner told RTÉ Sport about Shelbourne’s first-half strategy.

“I thought they would play more like they did in the second half — more direct to their tall strikers, going for second balls or trying to get in behind.

“That approach helped us, I think. Two of our goals came from winning the ball high up the pitch. Their biggest strength was their set plays because they are a very physical team, and I think we had a good balance in transition.

“There was one situation in the first half where Maxence Lacroix reacted a little late, but he and Chris Richards recovered well and prevented them from getting a shot away.

“There was no Shelbourne chance until the 91st minute, so we did really well. We controlled their strengths, created many opportunities, and were very fluid in attack with good movement, good runs in behind, and plenty of ball recoveries in their half.

“I think they were a little surprised, or perhaps not used to playing against teams with this level of intensity, and they were punished a few times.”

Shelbourne held firm after the break, although Palace still carved out further chances to extend their lead.

“The most important thing was to create chances,” Glasner added. “Sometimes you have days like the first half when you are efficient, and other times — like the second half — you are not. That happens.”