“You do not discuss concerning the egg earlier than the hen has laid it.”

Soccer managers are perpetually discovering inventive methods to divert questions and handle expectations – and Crystal Palace boss Oliver Glasner delivered this uncommon reply when requested concerning the prospect of profitable the membership’s first ever main trophy.

The 50-year-old Austrian, whose aspect face Manchester Metropolis in Saturday’s FA Cup closing (16:30 BST), has led his aspect to the brink of historical past.

Palace will qualify for Europe ought to they win at Wembley, and so they want only one level from their closing two video games to set the membership’s finest Premier League tally.

It is simple to overlook they didn’t win a league match till 27 October – their ninth sport of the season – as stress constructed across the membership.

However Palace’s document since beating Tottenham Hotspur that day is the sixth-best within the division, behind solely Liverpool, Newcastle, Arsenal, Chelsea and Nottingham Forest.

Such is their nice type that boss Glasner has been linked with strikes to RB Leipzig and Spurs, who’ve been overwhelmed twice by Palace this season.

The Austrian has turned the south London aspect right into a power to be reckoned with since changing Roy Hodgson in February 2024 – and boasts the very best points-per-game document (1.49) of any Palace boss within the Premier League period.

When Glasner arrived, his power and enthusiasm had a big effect at Selhurst Park, offering an enormous increase to the gamers.

Palace ended final season with six wins from seven, however momentum was misplaced throughout a busy summer time as star participant Michael Olise joined Bayern Munich, seven gamers reached finals of main tournaments and 4 new signings arrived on switch deadline day on the finish of August.

That meant the core of Glasner’s staff didn’t have a pre-season – removed from superb given the Eagles’ chief calls for prime health ranges from his squad to implement the excessive power ways he likes.

Now that they’ve settled and sharpened, Palace are an entirely totally different proposition.

“I am very happy,” Glasner informed BBC Sport. “Not simply with the enhancements, however I feel with the setting we’ve got created right here on the coaching floor and likewise within the membership.

“We’re very formidable, everyone seems to be working very laborious to progress, and that is the primary motive why we’re the place we at the moment are on the finish of the season.

“We’re actually settled in mid-table and searching on the groups in entrance of us greater than wanting on the groups who’re behind us.

“We’re additionally enjoying the FA Cup closing and very happy with what has occurred within the final 15-16 months.”