Eberechi Eze Becomes the First Crystal Palace Player to Break Silence Over Oliver Glasner’s New Tactics – He Didn’t Hold Back
In the dynamic world of Premier League football, tactical shifts often bring both excitement and uncertainty. At Crystal Palace, the arrival of Austrian manager Oliver Glasner sparked immediate intrigue, not just among fans but within the squad itself. Now, in a revealing and candid interview, midfield maestro Eberechi Eze has become the first Eagles player to openly discuss the club’s tactical transformation under Glasner’s leadership — and he didn’t hold back.
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A New Era at Selhurst Park
When Oliver Glasner was appointed manager of Crystal Palace, expectations were cautiously optimistic. Known for his structured, high-intensity approach that brought success at Eintracht Frankfurt — including a UEFA Europa League triumph — Glasner promised a fresh philosophy at Selhurst Park.
Replacing Roy Hodgson, a manager renowned for his pragmatic style and defensive solidity, Glasner’s arrival signaled a shift towards a more aggressive, attack-minded system. While many fans welcomed this modern outlook, questions remained about how Palace’s key players would adapt — especially those like Eberechi Eze, who thrived in Hodgson’s freer, creative environment.
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Eze Speaks Out
In a recent post-season interview, Eze addressed the changes Glasner has brought to the club — and provided rare insight into how the squad has responded behind the scenes.
“It’s a completely different setup,” Eze admitted. “The intensity in training, the way we press, the positions he wants us to take up — it’s very demanding. But it’s also exciting. It’s football that makes you think differently, and I’ve had to grow quickly.”
Eze, known for his flair, close control, and ability to unlock defenses, acknowledged that the adjustment wasn’t seamless at first.
“There were moments where I thought, ‘This is not natural to me.’ Under Roy, I had more freedom to drift and play instinctively. Now, there’s a structure — and you have to trust it. You can’t just do your own thing.”
Despite the initial challenges, Eze praised Glasner for his clarity and vision.
“He’s very detailed. He’ll explain exactly why he wants you in a certain position — what it opens up, how it helps the team. It’s not just about tactics; it’s about education. I’ve learned more in the last few months than I ever thought I would.”
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Impact on the Team
Eze’s candid comments shine a light on the growing pains — and the potential — of Glasner’s new system. Several of Palace’s attacking players, including Michael Olise and Jean-Philippe Mateta, have shown signs of blossoming under the structured but progressive style. The team ended the 2024/25 season on a high, stringing together a series of impressive performances that saw them climb into the top half of the Premier League table.
Much of that success was attributed to an uptick in pressing efficiency, better defensive transitions, and a more cohesive attacking unit — all hallmarks of Glasner’s tactical blueprint.
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Leadership and Buy-In
Eze’s decision to publicly address the shift may prove to be a turning point for the club’s dressing room culture. Often perceived as a quiet but influential figure, his openness could encourage others to embrace and support the new regime more fully.
“It’s not about comfort anymore,” Eze concluded. “It’s about competing — not just to stay up, but to push further. We all believe we can achieve something special here.”
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Fan Reaction and the Road Ahead
Fans have responded positively to Eze’s transparency. Supporters on social media praised his maturity and willingness to speak honestly, noting that his words reflect a shared ambition among players and fans to elevate Crystal Palace beyond mid-table obscurity.
As the club prepares for a crucial summer transfer window, Glasner’s tactics and Eze’s endorsement may help attract talent eager to join a project in motion. With preseason around the corner, all eyes will be on how the squad continues to evolve — and whether Glasner’s system can unlock Palace’s next level.
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Conclusion
Eberechi Eze’s forthright comments underscore both the challenges and opportunities that come with tactical evolution. As the first player to openly discuss Oliver Glasner’s new approach, Eze has set the tone for a new chapter at Crystal Palace — one driven by discipline, intelligence, and ambition. Whether this new era leads to tangible success remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Eagles are no longer flying under the radar.
