Glasner refuses to prioritise Conference League as Palace balance dual ambitions

• Palace beaten by Manchester United days after European win
• Glasner says it is “too early” to prioritise Europa Conference League
• Eagles still targeting top-half Premier League finish

Oliver Glasner has insisted he will not prioritise European success over domestic ambitions as Crystal Palace continue their push in both the Europa Conference League and the Premier League.

Palace suffered their second defeat of the season to Manchester United on Sunday, losing 2-1 at Old Trafford just days after Thursday’s 2-0 European victory over Zrinjski Mostar. Maxence Lacroix had given the Eagles a half-time lead, but the defender was later sent off, conceding a penalty converted by Bruno Fernandes before Benjamin Sesko headed the winner.

Glasner has frequently highlighted the physical and mental demands on his relatively small squad and made only one change from the side that started in Bosnia. However, he dismissed any suggestion of shifting focus toward Europe at the expense of league form.

“I don’t know if Tottenham and Man United started to focus on the Europa League, but right now we are in the last 16, it just makes no sense,” said Oliver Glasner.

“When we play maybe in the semi-finals, we can think about it, but right now it’s too early.

“We feel we’re still in a good position in the Premier League and we feel even when we lose, it’s always very close to getting more.”

Palace remain determined to climb back into the top half of the Premier League table while continuing their European adventure, with Glasner stressing the importance of maintaining ambition on both fronts.