Oliver Glasner

Oliver Glasner Biography

Oliver Glasner is an Austrian professional football manager and former player best known for his role as the manager of Premier League club Crystal Palace. A defender during his playing days, Glasner spent most of his career with Austrian Bundesliga club SV Ried, where he won the Austrian Cup twice. After retiring as a player, he transitioned into coaching and management, gaining fame for his success with clubs like LASK, VfL Wolfsburg, Eintracht Frankfurt, and ultimately Crystal Palace. His ability to lead teams to major trophies, including winning the UEFA Europa League with Frankfurt and the FA Cup with Crystal Palace, has made him a prominent figure in football management.

Childhood

Oliver Glasner was born on August 28, 1974, in Schärding, Austria. He grew up in this Upper Austrian town, where his early passion for football began. Raised in a family that supported his sporting ambitions, Glasner's early life laid the foundation for his future career in football both as a player and a coach.

Education

Besides his football career, Glasner holds a business degree, demonstrating a balance between sports and academics. His knowledge in business and management has been an asset in his coaching career, especially in roles that involved both managing a team and sporting director responsibilities. His formal football education included extensive training and hands-on experience gained through his long professional playing career and subsequent coaching stints, including time as an assistant coach under Roger Schmidt at Red Bull Salzburg.

Career

Oliver Glasner’s football career began at SV Riedau before moving to SV Ried in 1993, where he played as a defender until 2011, apart from a loan spell at LASK during the 2003-04 season. He made over 500 league appearances and won the Austrian Cup twice with SV Ried. His playing career ended prematurely in 2011 due to a brain hemorrhage following a head injury. Transitioning into management, Glasner started as an assistant at Red Bull Salzburg before becoming head coach of SV Ried in 2014. He then moved to LASK, securing promotion to Austria's top division and achieving notable league success. Subsequently, he managed VfL Wolfsburg and Eintracht Frankfurt in the German Bundesliga, winning the UEFA Europa League in 2022 with Frankfurt. In 2024, Glasner was appointed as the manager of Crystal Palace, where he led the club to its first-ever FA Cup victory and European competition qualification.

Family Life

Oliver Glasner is a family man who lives with his wife, Bettina, and their three children. Throughout his demanding career in professional football, both as a player and a coach, Glasner has maintained a close connection to his family. His upbringing in Schärding and continued familial support have been important to his personal and professional balance.

Achievements

Oliver Glasner’s achievements span both his playing and managerial careers. As a player, he won the Austrian Cup twice with SV Ried, in 1998 and 2011. As a coach, his accolades include leading LASK to promotion and a runner-up finish in the Austrian Bundesliga, securing Champions League qualification. In Germany, he elevated VfL Wolfsburg to UEFA Champions League football and won the UEFA Europa League with Eintracht Frankfurt in 2022. His tenure at Crystal Palace marked the club’s historic FA Cup win and their first qualification for the Europa League, cementing his reputation as a transformative and successful manager.

Controversies

Oliver Glasner’s career has been notably free of controversy. Known for his professionalism and strong leadership both on and off the pitch, Glasner has maintained a positive reputation throughout his years as a player and coach. His focus on team development and success has helped him avoid notable public disputes or controversies.

Oliver Glasner Summary

Oliver Glasner is a distinguished figure in European football, recognized for his extensive career as a player and his rising success as a football manager. From his roots in Schärding, Austria, to leading clubs in Austria, Germany, and England, Glasner’s journey reflects dedication, resilience, and tactical acumen. His ability to win trophies and qualify teams for major competitions highlights his competence and impact in the football world. Off the field, he is a devoted family man whose balance of education and sport contributes to his well-rounded profile. Today, Glasner continues to build his legacy as a respected and accomplished manager in top-tier football.