Why Is Glasner Critical of the EFL's Conference League Position?

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has expressed his frustration with the English Football League (EFL) regarding fixture congestion, particularly in relation to the UEFA Conference League. Glasner's comments come ahead of Palace's Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal, highlighting a perceived lack of respect for the Conference League by scheduling matches that overlap with European competitions.

Last updated: 06 December 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

Crystal Palace is currently facing a challenging fixture schedule, with manager Oliver Glasner openly criticising the EFL for scheduling conflicts that have arisen due to their participation in the UEFA Conference League. The match against Arsenal on Tuesday is set to increase the pressure on the squad, as it follows closely on the heels of a busy period that included matches against Manchester City and Leeds United. Glasner's remarks underline the broader issue of fixture congestion faced by clubs competing in multiple tournaments.

Key takeaways

• Oliver Glasner has called out the EFL for a lack of respect towards the UEFA Conference League.
• Palace's upcoming match against Arsenal is their fourth in ten days.
• The EFL is under scrutiny for its scheduling decisions amidst expanding European competitions.

Timeline: how we got here

To understand the current situation, it’s important to look back at key dates and events:

• 14 December 2023: Crystal Palace plays Manchester City in the Premier League.
• 16 December 2023: The team faces Leeds United, resulting in a 4-1 defeat.
• 21 December 2023: Palace competes against KuPS in the UEFA Conference League.
• December 2023: Scheduled Carabao Cup quarter-final against Arsenal on 6 December.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Glasner’s comments reflect a growing dissatisfaction with how domestic competitions are scheduled in relation to European commitments. The EFL has been accused of prioritising its own schedules over considerations for clubs engaged in multiple tournaments.

What was already established

The EFL has previously defended its scheduling choices, citing the expansion of European competitions as a contributing factor to the current congestion. This expansion has made it increasingly difficult for domestic leagues to accommodate the demands of European football without conflicts.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

For fans and households, the congestion may lead to increased travel costs and logistical challenges in attending multiple fixtures. The timing of matches can also affect television scheduling, potentially reducing viewership for some games.

Businesses and jobs

Local businesses around stadiums may see fluctuating customer numbers as fans adjust their plans amid tight schedules. Additionally, clubs may need to manage player fatigue more carefully, influencing their performance and, subsequently, revenue from matchdays.

Policy and regulation

The EFL has indicated that it is open to discussions regarding scheduling conflicts, yet it faces the challenge of balancing domestic interests with the demands of European football. Future consultations could be essential in addressing these issues.

Numbers that matter

• 4: The number of matches Crystal Palace will have played in ten days by the time they face Arsenal.
• 8: The number of UEFA Conference League matches Palace has played so far this season.
• 1: The number of wins Palace has secured in their last eight Conference League outings.

Definitions and jargon buster

• EFL: English Football League, governing body for professional football leagues in England below the Premier League.
• UEFA: Union of European Football Associations, the governing body for football in Europe.
• Carabao Cup: A knockout football competition in England contested by the 92 clubs in the Premier League and the EFL.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

Crystal Palace will need to navigate their upcoming fixtures carefully to minimise player fatigue and maximise performance. The focus will be on recovery and tactical preparations for each match.

Medium term (1–6 months)

As the season progresses, the club may need to consider rotation strategies to manage player workloads, especially if they continue to compete in multiple tournaments.

Signals to watch

• Monitor player performance and injury reports as matches accumulate.
• Keep an eye on scheduling announcements from the EFL and UEFA for potential conflicts.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on fixture schedules and adjust travel plans accordingly.
• Engage with club communications for updates on player fitness and availability.

Don’t

• Don’t overlook the potential impact of fixture congestion on player performance.
• Don’t miss opportunities to support local businesses around the stadium during match days.

Checklist

• Check fixture dates regularly to avoid missing matches.
• Plan travel routes in advance, considering traffic and weather conditions.
• Stay informed about team news to manage expectations for match outcomes.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

The evolving nature of scheduling conflicts raises uncertainties about how future matches will be arranged. If the EFL and UEFA cannot find a compromise, clubs like Crystal Palace may continue to face logistical challenges. Moreover, injuries related to fatigue could significantly impact squad performance.

Bottom line

Oliver Glasner's criticism of the EFL underlines significant concerns regarding fixture congestion for clubs participating in European competitions. As Crystal Palace navigates this busy schedule, the importance of player management and effective communication with fans will be crucial for maintaining performance and support.

FAQs

What did Oliver Glasner say about the EFL?

Oliver Glasner accused the EFL of showing a lack of respect for the UEFA Conference League due to their scheduling decisions, particularly overlapping domestic matches with European fixtures.

How many matches will Crystal Palace play in December?

Crystal Palace is set to play four matches in just ten days, which includes fixtures in the Premier League and the Carabao Cup.

What is the Carabao Cup?

The Carabao Cup is a knockout football competition in England, featuring clubs from the Premier League and the EFL, providing another avenue for silverware alongside league play and other tournaments.