Europa Conference League semi-final 1st leg
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner has warned his players they are in for their toughest test yet as they prepare for the UEFA Europa Conference League semi-final against Shakhtar Donesk. The Eagles travel to the Henryk Reyman Municipal Stadium in Krakow to play the Ukrainian Premier League leaders.
Glasner said his players were “fit, in a good mood” and there was a “great atmosphere” around the camp.
Palace remain favorites to lift the title but face a solid Shakhtar side unbeaten in their domestic league since November and on good form, winning four of their last five matches.
“A great challenge” – Glasner
But in his pre-match press conference Glasner said it would a “great challenge” for his team.
He said: “I always have huge respect for every opponent but the individual quality of Shakhtar is a bit higher (than fellow Ukrainian team Dynamo Kyiv, who they beat earlier in the competition). I think you can see it in the league table – they are 15 points ahead now – and the mix in the team of Shakhtar is quite interesting, playing with experience and internationals, and six or seven young Brazilian players.
“Also credit to the manager Arda Turan. They have a clear structure defensively, shifting well and very tight so you don’t find space easily, and then the quick transitions.
Palace will line up in their usual 3-4-3, with Jean Philippe Mateta expected to spearhead the attack, while Shakhtar will line up 4-3-3. Eagles’ striker Evann Guessand misses out with a knee injury. Other than long term absentees Eddie Nketiah and Cheick Doucoure, Glasner has a virtually full squad to choose from. This is a rarity after a season interrupted by injuries.
“It will be a great challenge for us.”
Palace team news
There were concerns over left wingback Tyrick Mitchell, who went off in the Premier League game against Liverpool with an achilles problem, but given that did the pre-match press conference on Wednesday he is expected to be fit.
Glasner urged his players “be yourself, play our style, express yourself, play with confidence, try to score goals, work very hard to avoid chances for the opposition, but the most important thing is play our style”.
Eagles’ route
The Eagles qualified for the Europa League through winning the FA Cup but were demoted to the Conference League over a breach of multi-ownership rules. Understandably, they were installed as early favourites, and have never relinquished that that. They have secured their Premier League status for another season and so can concentrate their efforts on winning their first ever European trophy, in their first ever year of European football.
In their run to the semi-finals they have beaten, amongst others, Dynamo Kyiv, AEK Larnaca and Fiorentina.
“We are tired”- Turan
Shakhtar coach Arda Turan spoke highly of their visitors, saying: “They are a top-level team playing in one of the most competitive leagues in the world. We do not know how else to assess our opponents…”
However, in a bit of gamesmanship, he struck the underdog tone, saying his team were mentally and physically tired after a long season which, because of the war in Ukraine, means they have to play home European ties in Poland.
He said: “We are tired – first of all mentally, psychologically..because it really takes a lot of our life energy.
“The conditions in which we have to play, and the whole schedule in general, are extremely demanding. What we ask for from our players is extremely demanding.”
He said he expected the game to be played in the Shakhtar half, with Palace having most of the possession. But playing top level opponents, he said, was the perfect test for them.
“This is our dream”
“That is our dream” he said. “That is why a match against a team like Crystal Palace, who have already played against the Premier League giants and have that experience, will be invaluable. It will be an excellent test to gauge our level.
“We also have to accept the fact that Crystal Palace are a physically strong side, so we must be ready for physical contact. And if we don’t have the mindset of a semi-finalist, we’ll be in big trouble. We need to be well prepared for the moments when they put us under pressure.”
He added: “If you’re playing against a Premier League side like this, you have to be 100% ready, both physically and mentally. If we stick together, we can succeed. I admit it won’t be easy, but if we’re united, we’ll get through it,”
The Miners go into the biggest game of the season with good momentum behind them and are enjoying an excellent domestic and European season.
The Miners route
They started the campaign in the Europa League qualifiers, but defeat on penalties to Greek side Panathinaikos in the third qualifying round saw them dumped out of that competition and into the Conference league.
Victories against Polish champions Lech Posnan (4-3 on aggregate) and Dutch side AZ Alkmaar have led them to the semi final.
Shakhtar team news
Shakhtar have the most dribbles won in the Conference League, they have the highest possession, and in the top three for highest intensity. They will look to press their opponents from the very first whistle but know they are up against a higher level of opposition.
Shakhtar will play 4-3-3 and look to get the full backs joining in the attacking play, with 20-year-old Brazilian forward Kauã Elias the key goalscoring threat, alongside fellow attackers Brazilians Alisson and Newerton.
They were boosted recently by the return from injury of midfielder Dmytro Kryskiv, though he may well start on the bench. Centre-backs Valeriy Bondar and full backs Vinicius Tobias and Pedro Henrique should return after being rested.
Nick has enjoyed a highly successful career in journalism and the media. He spent 23 years in the UK national print media, including 15 years on the Daily Telegraph as a senior reporter. He is also an experienced commentator and communications expert. His broadcast appearances include Newsnight, Sky News, BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Television, BBC Radio Scotland and local television in Scotland and England. He currently hosts The Road to World Cup 26 podcast.
