The FA Community Shield 2026 will serve as Crystal Palace’s curtain-raiser to the new campaign. With Oliver Glasner admitting that his side still need reinforcements before the Premier League season begins. Palace, fresh from their remarkable FA Cup triumph last term, are eager to build on that success but face the stern challenge of Liverpool in Sunday’s clash.
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While Glasner has highlighted the need for additional depth and quality in his squad. He can take encouragement from the fact that the club have so far managed to retain all of their key players. Ensuring a strong foundation to carry their momentum forward into what promises to be an exciting season.
Glasner’s Concerns Before the FA Community Shield 2026
Oliver Glasner did not hold back in voicing his concerns about Crystal Palace’s transfer activity ahead of the new campaign. The Austrian coach labelled the club’s approach as passive noting that the squad is still lacking in key areas with the Premier League season just days away. As the Eagles prepare to face Liverpool in the FA Community Shield 2026, the manager is under no illusions about the challenges ahead. He pointed out that while Palace showed their potential with last season’s FA Cup success. The step up in expectations now demands a stronger and more complete group of players.
Palace’s Historic Season and the FA Community Shield 2026 Build-Up
Last season was the most memorable in Crystal Palace’s history. As they lifted their first-ever major trophy with a stunning 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final at Wembley. That triumph gave the club a place in folklore and sparked wild celebrations among supporters. However, Glasner stressed that such achievements must be built upon if they are to avoid becoming a one-off success. As they prepare for Sunday’s curtain-raiser in the FA Community Shield 2026. Palace will have the opportunity to showcase how far they have come under his leadership. Though the manager continues to stress that greater depth is essential for long-term progress.
Transfer Concerns Shadowing the FA Community Shield 2026
Glasner highlighted that the injury to Eddie Nketiah. Who will miss the first two months of the campaign, has left Palace alarmingly short in attack? Nketiah was seen as a crucial addition last season, and his absence means that the Eagles lack an established goal scorer to lead the line. The manager admitted that this setback, combined with the club’s cautious approach in the market. It could undermine their early season form. Going into the FA Community Shield 2026 against a team of Liverpool’s stature. Glasner was clear that Palace cannot afford to rely solely on the players they already have, especially with European commitments now on the horizon. Observe Also FA Community Shield clash
Glasner’s Transfer Wishlist Before the FA Community Shield 2026
The manager’s message to the board was direct: Palace need two new signings, one in defence and one in attack. To cope with the demands of the season. Glasner acknowledged that in midfield and wide areas the squad is competitive. With players pushing each other to higher standards. But he warned that the lack of depth at centre-back and centre-forward could prove costly. His comments ahead of the FA Community Shield 2026 underline a broader ambition. He does not want Palace to simply take part in the competitions they have qualified for. But to make a genuine impact and compete with established sides.
Key Injuries Hindering Palace’s Preparations
In addition to Nketiah’s lay-off, Glasner confirmed that Matheus Franca and Caleb Kporha are both unavailable due to injuries. Leaving the squad even thinner. Franca, signed last year as one of Palace’s exciting young prospects. It was expected to play a bigger role this season, while Kporha’s versatility in defence provided Glasner with tactical options. Their absence highlights how quickly injuries can destabilize a squad with limited depth. Palace’s medical team are working to get them back as soon as possible, but the early months of the season now look especially testing.
Limited New Arrivals Frustrating the Manager
So far, Palace’s summer recruitment has been modest. Left-back Borna Sosa arrived from Ajax. Bringing with him experience of European football and a reputation for providing attacking width from defence. Goalkeeper Walter Benitez also joined from PSV, adding competition for the number one shirt. While these signings bring value. Glasner has been vocal that they do not address the pressing needs in other areas of the pitch. For fans, the hope is that these two arrivals are the beginning of a wider plan rather than the full extent of Palace’s ambition in the transfer market.
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A Mixed Picture from Last Season’s Campaign
While the FA Cup triumph was the undoubted highlight, Palace’s league form told a different story. A difficult start to the campaign saw them hovering near the relegation zone at one stage. Before a late-season recovery helped them finish 12th in the Premier League. That inconsistency has left Glasner determined to ensure greater balance this time around. He is keen to avoid relying on cup competitions alone for success. Recognizing that league stability is the foundation for progress in Europe and beyond.
Missed Opportunities in the Transfer Market
Palace’s transfer frustrations were underlined when reported target Evann Guessand opted to join Aston Villa instead. The French forward was seen as a player capable of easing the burden in attack, and losing out on his signature was a blow for Glasner. This episode has raised questions among supporters about the club’s ambition and negotiating power. With many calling for quicker and more decisive action in securing reinforcements. It also highlighted the fierce competition Palace now face from established Premier League sides in attracting top-level talent.
Retaining Key Players Provides Relief
Despite the limited signings, Palace have so far managed to keep hold of their most valuable assets. Jean-Philippe Mateta, who scored crucial goals last season. Remains at the club despite interest from abroad. Eberechi Eze, Adam Wharton. And Marc Guehi have all been linked with moves to bigger clubs, but Palace’s determination to retain them has been successful up to this point. For Glasner, keeping this core together is just as important as new additions. As their quality and experience were central to last season’s FA Cup victory.
Eberechi Eze’s Role Under the Spotlight
Eberechi Eze has become the symbol of Palace’s resurgence, combining flair, creativity. And leadership on the pitch. Glasner confirmed that he will feature in Sunday’s opener, but questions remain about his long-term future as several Premier League rivals continue to monitor his situation. Eze’s ability to unlock defences makes him irreplaceable in the current squad. And Glasner knows that losing him before the end of the transfer window would significantly weaken Palace’s ambitions. For now, fans will take comfort in his availability for the start of the season.
Fan Expectations and European Ambitions
Crystal Palace’s first-ever participation in a UEFA competition has raised anticipation to unprecedented levels among the supporters. Playing on the European stage is both a reward for last season’s achievements and a challenge that requires careful planning. Fans are excited by the prospect of seeing their team represent the club on the continental stage. But many share Glasner’s concern about whether the squad is deep enough to handle the demands of three major competitions. For many, this season feels like a turning point in the club’s modern history.
The Road Ahead for Palace
As Palace prepare for what promises to be their most demanding season ever. Glasner’s call for reinforcements remains the central talking point. The manager’s ambition is clear—he wants his side to compete, not just participate. Across the Premier League, domestic cups, and European competition. With the FA Cup triumph still fresh in the memory, fans will be hopeful that the club can build on that momentum. But ultimately, their success this season may depend on whether the hierarchy respond to Glasner’s plea for new signings before the transfer window closes.
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