Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has moved to clarify speculation surrounding his future, insisting he “never threatened to leave” the club during the tense final hours of the transfer window as captain Marc Guehi’s proposed move to Liverpool collapsed.
England international Guehi (25) had appeared close to joining the Premier League champions, but Palace ultimately blocked the deal after failing to secure adequate defensive cover. The centre-back, whose contract expires next summer, will be free to negotiate a move in January, fuelling suggestions of friction between Glasner and chairman Steve Parish over the decision.
Speaking ahead of this weekend’s fixtures and reported by BBC Sport, Glasner dismissed the rumours.
“There were no bad tensions between the chairman and myself,” he said. “It was really just a discussion about sport, and he decided against the money and for the sporting perspective of Crystal Palace. Big credit to the chairman.”
Palace acted swiftly on deadline day, signing Toulouse defender Jaydee Canvot on a four-year contract and bringing in Christantus Uche on loan from Getafe. But Glasner admitted that allowing Guehi to depart without those reinforcements in place would have left the squad vulnerable.
Guehi, who captained Palace to their historic FA Cup triumph over Manchester City in May, has also been at the centre of speculation about his leadership role. Reports suggested he was considering relinquishing the armband following his disappointment at missing out on a high-profile move. Glasner firmly rejected that narrative.
“Marc never threatened to strike, Glasner said. “He will be our captain as long as he is here, because he is such a great player and personality. Everybody could see how he played for England; he is 100% focused.”
Palace will face Sunderland at home in their next fixture on Saturday.
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