Glasner: FA Cup Win Would Mean More to Palace Than City

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner believes winning the FA Cup final would hold greater significance for his team than Manchester City, as they chase their first major trophy.

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner believes that winning the FA Cup final would hold greater significance for his team than for Manchester City. This is largely due to the fact that Palace has never secured major silverware in their history, whereas City, under Pep Guardiola's leadership, are chasing their 19th trophy. Despite City's illustrious record, Glasner thinks the thrill of a first win would make the trophy more precious to Palace.

Glasner acknowledges that City are desperate to avoid a trophy-less season, their first since 2016-17. However, he doesn't expect City to concede, saying, “I don't expect that they will wave the white flag.” Instead, Glasner believes both teams will fight to win, making the final a closely contested match. He emphasizes that for players, managers and clubs, winning a trophy is always a significant achievement.

Glasner is confident in his team's abilities, referencing their impressive 3-0 win over Aston Villa in the semi-finals. He sees no reason why Palace can't upset the odds at Wembley, stating, “It's football. So many things can happen, but we want to do it in our way.” With influential midfielder Adam Wharton expected to feature, Palace is gearing up for a strong performance.

Crystal Palace is set to face Manchester City in the FA Cup final, marking their third appearance in the showpiece event. The Eagles have previously lost to Manchester United in the final twice, in 1990 and 2016.

This year's final presents a different challenge, as City is having its worst season in eight years. Palace manager Oliver Glasner acknowledges City's desperation to win, but believes a victory would be particularly sweet for his team. “If something is the first time in your life, then maybe it means more to you than when you have it every single year,” Glasner said.

“Under Pep, how many trophies have they won, how many City have, how many finals they have played, it's definitely more than Crystal Palace have.

From Oliver Glasner, to you, our fans.

Tomorrow, we can make history.

Be loud. Be proud. Be Palace.#CPFC pic.twitter.com/PlrKAHVJZW

— Crystal Palace F.C. (@CPFC) May 16, 2025

“Still, for the players, for a manager, for a club, winning a trophy is always something great in a season.

“So I don't expect that they will wave the white flag and then say, 'OK, it's a first title for Crystal Palace, you should get it.' I think they will fight to win it.”

Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner expects influential midfielder Adam Wharton to be available for the FA Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley. Wharton had been ruled out of Palace's recent Premier League win over Tottenham.

The FA Cup Final.

For South London. ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/bMDe65OprB

— Palace for Life (@PalaceForLife) May 16, 2025

Palace can draw confidence from their spirited performance against City in their previous encounters. In December, they held City to a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park, and although they lost 5-2 in the return match at the Etihad Stadium in April, their competitiveness gives them hope for the final.

“It's football. So many things can happen, but we want to do it in our way. We will do it in our way, and then I think we have the best chances to win the final,” he said.

“I think City will do the same. This is why 90,000 will watch, and I don't know how many millions more on TV, because nobody knows the result, but we feel ready to win it.”