What looked like a dream campaign for Crystal Palace last season has turned into a difficult and draining one this time around.
The FA Cup holders made a reasonable start, but the demands of juggling multiple competitions with a thin squad have taken a heavy toll in recent months. That strain came to the surface after the weekend defeat to Sunderland, when Oliver Glasner publicly criticised the club, suggesting he felt unsupported by the board.
It has since been confirmed that the Austrian will leave Selhurst Park in the summer. While losing the manager who delivered the club’s first major trophy is far from ideal, Palace appear to have moved quickly in identifying a potential successor.
Crystal Palace line up Glasner successor
Knowing well in advance that Glasner would depart has at least given Palace time to plan. Rather than being caught off guard late in the season, the club have been able to assess options and begin sounding out replacements.
According to Football Insider, the Eagles are preparing to approach Thomas Frank about taking over once Glasner leaves. The report claims Palace see the Tottenham Hotspur boss as an ideal fit to step into the role after the former Eintracht Frankfurt coach’s exit.
Frank is currently under pressure at Spurs following a disappointing campaign, and it is increasingly unclear whether he will still be in charge by the end of the season. That uncertainty has reportedly encouraged Palace to consider a move.
Why Thomas Frank appeals to Palace
At first glance, the idea of appointing Frank may not set pulses racing among Palace supporters. His time at Tottenham has been underwhelming, with Spurs sitting 14th in the Premier League and just a point behind Palace.
However, struggles at a traditional heavyweight do not necessarily define a manager’s overall ability. Frank built his reputation with an outstanding spell at Brentford, which ultimately earned him the chance at a bigger club.
Between October 2018 and June 2025, he took charge of 317 matches for the Bees, recording 136 wins, 71 draws and 110 defeats. That return equates to an average of 1.51 points per game. By comparison, Glasner has averaged only slightly more at Palace, collecting 1.61 points per game from 96 matches, despite inheriting a squad containing several top-level performers.
Another strength in Frank’s favour is his proven ability to rebuild after losing key players. During his time at Brentford, he oversaw the departures of influential figures such as Ollie Watkins, Ivan Toney and Saïd Benrahma, yet still kept the team competitive. Former striker Troy Deeney even described him as an outstanding coach for that reason.
It may not be the boldest or most glamorous choice, but Palace are in need of a steady hand with a strong track record. Frank fits that profile and could prove to be the right man to guide the club after Glasner’s departure.