Crystal Palace chase Europa spot in Leipzig final
Palace are exploring a move for Man Utd’s Jadon Sancho on a free, but his reported £250k-a-week wages could be a stumbling block for any deal.
Palace contest the Conference League final in Leipzig. Wharton and Richards are doubts, Sarr leads with nine goals. Henderson starts, Mateta spearheads attack. Kick-off 20:00 BST, referee Maurizio Mariani.
PSG and Barcelona are tracking Palace defender Jaydee Canvot, 19. The France U21 international has played 37 games, is contracted until 2029, and is likely to start the Conference League final v Rayo Vallecano.
Wharton and Richards trained before the Rayo final but face late fitness tests. Glasner says only 100% fit players will start and stresses Europa League qualification motivation.
Italian referee Maurizio Mariani will oversee Palace vs Rayo. Spanish pundits previously criticised his style, but he has issued few penalties and reds in Europe this season.
Ahead of Palace’s first European final, Glasner’s last match, he urges players to ‘laugh, smile, be yourselves’ and seize history after adding FA Cup and Community Shield to the cabinet.
Glasner, in his last game, urges Palace to beat Rayo Vallecano in Leipzig to reclaim a Europa League spot after Uefa demoted them to the Conference League due to multi-club rules. Wharton, Richards train.
Palace’s top target Andoni Iraola is courted by AC Milan after Allegri’s exit, creating competition for Glasner’s successor amid reported Bayer Leverkusen interest.
Police in Leipzig ordered 60 Crystal Palace ‘known troublemakers’ to leave after clashes with Rayo Vallecano fans. Two arrests were made and two officers suffered minor injuries ahead of the Conference League final.
Before facing Palace, Rayo players donated to reimburse fans scammed on travel. Coach Iñigo Pérez lauds Palace’s shared traits and urges his team to keep identity in the Leipzig final.
Brennan Johnson says his January move to Crystal Palace was a new experience and admits he initially struggled, but feels welcome and hopes to help in the Conference League final v Rayo Vallecano.
Palace face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on 27 May, with broadcast details provided. The article does not give a reason for Oliver Glasner’s exit.
