London, UK – Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner has urged the club’s management to reinforce the squad with at least two new signings before the summer transfer window closes, despite expressing satisfaction with his current group of players.
The Austrian tactician made the call shortly after guiding the Eagles to an impressive Community Shield victory over Liverpool on Sunday — a result that saw Palace clinch silverware ahead of the new Premier League season.
Palace Edge Liverpool in Thrilling Contest
Crystal Palace overcame Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool in dramatic fashion at Wembley Stadium, prevailing in a penalty shoot-out following an intense 2-2 draw in regulation time.
The victory not only handed Glasner his first major trophy as Palace manager but also served as a confidence boost for the squad ahead of a demanding campaign that will now include European football.
Glasner: “We Just Need One or Two More”
Speaking to TNT Sport after the match, Glasner praised his players’ resilience but stressed the need for additional reinforcements.
“I am very happy with the squad because, of course, they won the trophy,” Glasner said.
“But I don’t want to complain about plenty of games, because you see that as a reward.
He went on to explain that Palace’s FA Cup success last season — which secured their place in European competition — means the team will be juggling more fixtures than usual.
“If we don’t win the FA Cup, then we don’t talk about European football. But we want to win something, we want to play European football. We’ll be ready for it.
But of course, if somebody needs a break – such as Daichi Kamada [who was injured] today and maybe we’ll miss him at Chelsea – we just maybe need to add one or two players.”
Squad Depth Concerns
Glasner’s comments reflect a broader concern among Premier League managers whose teams face the dual challenge of domestic and European commitments. With injuries and fatigue inevitable over a long season, having sufficient depth across all positions is crucial.
Palace already boast a strong core, including Eberechi Eze, Michael Olise, Marc Guéhi, and Jordan Ayew. However, key injuries — such as the knock sustained by Japanese midfielder Daichi Kamada — could leave gaps in critical areas if not addressed before the transfer deadline.
Transfer Window Still Open
The Premier League summer transfer window remains open for a few more weeks, giving Palace’s recruitment team time to act. While Glasner did not name specific targets, reports in England suggest the Eagles may be in the market for a versatile midfielder and a backup forward to provide cover for Odsonne Édouard.
With European fixtures expected to test the squad’s limits, strategic signings could help Palace compete on multiple fronts without sacrificing their league form.
Community Shield Win Boosts Expectations
Palace’s Community Shield triumph has raised expectations among fans and pundits alike. Beating a Liverpool side stacked with attacking talent is no small feat, and the result has been interpreted as evidence of the progress made under Glasner since his appointment.
The Austrian coach, who took charge in February 2024, has quickly implemented an organised, high-energy style of play that has brought both results and entertainment to Selhurst Park.
European Football Returns
Winning the FA Cup last season means Palace will be playing in Europe for the first time in decades. This historic achievement has energised the club’s fanbase but also brings the challenge of managing midweek continental matches alongside the intensity of the Premier League.
Glasner acknowledged that while the team relishes the opportunity, extra demands on the squad make depth essential.
“We see European football as a reward, not a burden,” he said. “But we must be ready for it — physically, mentally, and with the right squad size.”
Injury to Daichi Kamada
One immediate concern for Palace is the availability of Daichi Kamada, who picked up an injury during the Community Shield clash. The Japanese international has been a key creative presence since arriving at Selhurst Park, and Glasner admitted he could miss the upcoming Premier League fixture against Chelsea.
While the extent of Kamada’s injury is yet to be confirmed, his absence could accelerate Palace’s push for an additional midfielder before the transfer window closes.
Fan and Media Reaction
Palace supporters have welcomed Glasner’s public call for reinforcements, interpreting it as a sign of ambition. Many fans took to social media after the Community Shield victory to express optimism about the upcoming season, while also agreeing that the squad would benefit from a couple of smart signings.
Football analysts have also praised Glasner’s approach, noting that his comments strike a balance between celebrating success and recognising the realities of the season ahead.
Crystal Palace’s Recent Rise
The past year has been transformative for Crystal Palace. Under Glasner’s leadership, the team has evolved from mid-table stability to genuine contenders in domestic cup competitions. The FA Cup win was the club’s first major trophy in its history, and now the Community Shield adds another piece of silverware to the cabinet.
European qualification marks a new chapter, offering the players and fans a chance to showcase the club on an international stage.
Looking Ahead
Crystal Palace open their Premier League campaign with a challenging away trip to Chelsea next weekend. With momentum from the Community Shield win, Glasner will be hoping his team can start strong — but he remains clear that a couple of timely signings could make all the difference in sustaining form throughout the season.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Palace’s board backs their manager’s vision in the transfer market. For now, the Eagles’ supporters can celebrate a landmark victory and dream of more memorable nights to come — both at Selhurst Park and across Europe.
Final Word:
Oliver Glasner’s call for reinforcements is not a complaint but a calculated step toward ensuring Crystal Palace can handle the demands of an unprecedented season. The Community Shield win has set the tone, but the club’s activity in the final days of the transfer window could determine how far this team can go in 2025–26.
