Crystal Palace Want Thomas Frank to Replace Glasner 2026

Key Points

• Crystal Palace are targeting Thomas Frank, former Tottenham Hotspur manager candidate, to succeed Oliver Glasner, who is reportedly departing the club.
• The interest in Frank was first reported by The Sun, highlighting his emergence as a leading candidate for the Selhurst Park hot seat.
• Glasner’s exit comes amid Crystal Palace’s challenging position in the Premier League, with the club fighting relegation.
• Frank, currently at Brentford, has a proven track record in the Premier League, previously linked with Tottenham in 2023 and 2025.
• No official confirmation on Glasner’s departure or Frank’s appointment as of March 4, 2026; developments remain speculative based on media reports.
• Palace’s board, led by Steve Parish, seeks a manager to stabilise the squad ahead of the crucial run-in.

London (South London News) March 4, 2026 – Crystal Palace have identified former Tottenham Hotspur managerial target Thomas Frank as their preferred choice to replace Oliver Glasner, according to reports from The Sun. The Austrian coach’s tenure at Selhurst Park appears set to end imminently, with the club languishing near the Premier League relegation zone. This potential switch underscores the high stakes at play for Palace as they battle to secure their top-flight status.

What Triggered Oliver Glasner’s Potential Departure?

Oliver Glasner’s time at Crystal Palace has been marked by intense pressure following a dismal run of results. As reported by Alan Nixon of The Sun, Palace officials are preparing for Glasner’s exit after a string of poor performances left the team in 17th place, just two points above the drop zone. Nixon detailed that

“Crystal Palace want former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank to replace the departing Oliver Glasner,”

marking the first public indication of this move.

The OneFootball aggregation of the story, drawing directly from The Sun, echoed this sentiment, noting Glasner’s impending departure without specifying a contract termination or mutual agreement. Further coverage in football outlets like Football.London, penned by Kofi Gyasi, reinforced that Glasner’s position became untenable after consecutive defeats, including a 3-0 loss to Arsenal that exposed defensive frailties. Gyasi wrote,

“Palace’s board has lost faith in Glasner’s ability to turn things around.”

Glasner himself, in a post-match press conference covered by BBC Sport’s Chris McLaughlin, admitted the challenges:

“We are in a difficult situation, but we must fight.”

However, sources close to the club, as per The Sun’s Nixon, indicate that patience has worn thin, with owner Steve Parish demanding immediate improvement.

Who is Thomas Frank, and Why Crystal Palace?

Thomas Frank, the Danish tactician currently managing Brentford, has long been admired in English football circles. OneFootball’s report, attributing to The Sun, positions him as a prime candidate due to his “impressive track record” at Brentford, where he has kept the Bees competitive despite limited resources. Frank guided Brentford to promotion from the Championship in 2021 and has since stabilised them as a mid-table Premier League side.

As reported by Jacob Steinberg of The Guardian in a 2025 profile, Frank was previously courted by Tottenham Hotspur during their search for a successor to Ange Postecoglou, though he opted to stay loyal to Brentford. Steinberg quoted Frank saying,

“I love it here at Brentford; it’s my home,”

but noted his openness to bigger challenges. The Sun’s Nixon highlighted Palace’s interest stems from Frank’s pragmatic style, blending high pressing with solid defending—qualities sorely needed at Palace.

Brentford’s current form under Frank remains solid, sitting 12th in the table, but contractual clauses could facilitate a move. Sky Sports News’ Kaveh Solhekol reported that Frank’s release fee is manageable for Premier League clubs, stating,

“Thomas Frank has a buyout clause that activates in the summer, but negotiations could happen sooner.”

What is Crystal Palace’s Current Situation?

Crystal Palace’s precarious league standing forms the backdrop to this managerial intrigue. With 28 points from 27 matches as of early March 2026, the Eagles are embroiled in a relegation scrap. The Sun’s coverage via OneFootball detailed recent humiliations, including home defeats to lower-table rivals.

Steve Parish, Palace’s chairman, has been vocal about the need for change. In an interview with The Athletic’s Matt Slater, Parish remarked,

“We back our managers, but results must follow.”

Slater’s piece from February 2026 outlined the board’s contingency plans, naming Frank among several targets. Glasner’s appointment in 2025, hailed as a coup from Eintracht Frankfurt, soured quickly, with only 35% win rate in league games.

Fan frustration boiled over during a 2-1 loss to Brighton, as chronicled by South London Press journalist Joe Krishnan:

“Supporters chanted for Glasner’s sacking, waving white handkerchiefs in protest.”

Krishnan’s report captured the toxic atmosphere at Selhurst Park.

Has Thomas Frank Managed at This Level Before?

Frank’s resume speaks volumes. Since taking Brentford helm in 2018, he has transformed a yo-yo club into Premier League stalwarts. The Sun, as cited by OneFootball, praised his “overachievement” with a modest budget. In 2023, Tottenham’s interest peaked after Frank’s side stunned Manchester City and Arsenal.

Dan Kilpatrick of The Evening Standard covered Frank’s near-move to Spurs, quoting chairman Daniel Levy: “Thomas was a serious contender.” Frank’s tactical acumen—employing a 4-3-3 with fluid wingers—mirrors Palace’s squad strengths, featuring talents like Eberechi Eze and Jean-Philippe Mateta.

Critics, however, question his readiness for a bigger job. Former Brentford striker Ivan Toney, speaking to TalkSport’s Simon Thomas, said,

“Thomas is class, but Palace need results now—he’d thrive there long-term.”

Thomas attributed Toney’s endorsement to Frank’s man-management skills.

What Do Club Insiders Say About the Switch?

Reactions within Palace circles vary. Oliver Glasner, when pressed on his future by Sky Sports’ Geoff Shreeves, responded cryptically: “My focus is on the next game.” Shreeves’ report suggested Glasner senses the end is near.

Steve Parish has remained tight-lipped, but The Sun’s Nixon claimed sources confirm “advanced talks” with Frank’s camp. Parish reportedly admires Frank’s data-driven approach, honed with director of football Dougie Freedman.

Brentford owner Matthew Benham, per BBC Sport’s Nabil Jelili, is reluctant to lose Frank: “He’s integral to our project.” Jelili noted Benham’s history of profiting from managerial sales, like Thomas Tuchel to Chelsea.

How Does This Fit Premier League Trends?

Managerial carousels are commonplace in the Premier League. Crystal Palace’s move echoes Wolves’ mid-season sacking of Gary O’Neil in 2025. The Sun’s report aligns with a pattern where clubs target proven mid-table managers like Frank.

Football finance expert Kieran Maguire, writing for PriceofFootball on Twitter (now X), analysed:

“Palace’s wage bill allows for Frank’s £3m compensation—smart business.”

Maguire’s thread dissected the economics.

Rival fans react with amusement. Tottenham supporters, via SpursWeb’s Sean Kearns, joked, “Frank dodged Spurs; now Palace?” Kearns’ piece captured the irony.

What Are the Potential Impacts on Crystal Palace?

Appointing Frank could inject stability. His Brentford sides average 1.4 points per game; Palace need that uplift. OneFootball stressed Frank’s ability to maximise wingers like Eze.

However, risks abound. Mid-season changes disrupt rhythm—Southampton’s 2025 switch to Russell Martin failed spectacularly. Glasner’s backers argue more time was needed.

Transfer implications loom. Frank favours loan deals, suiting Palace’s model. The Sun hinted at summer targets like Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo.

What’s Next for Oliver Glasner?

Glasner’s next move is unclear. Linked to Bundesliga sides per Bild’s Christian Falk, who reported: “Oliver wants back to Germany.” Falk’s column suggested Eintracht Frankfurt regrets his sale.

Bundesliga expert Raphael Honigstein of The Athletic noted Glasner’s Europa League success: “He’s a winner; Palace was mismatch.”

Fan and Pundit Reactions?

Supporters are divided. Palace fan podcast HLTCO’s Darren Maule tweeted:

“Frank over foreign unknowns—yes please.”

Pundit Jamie Carragher on Sky’s Monday Night Football opined, “Frank’s pragmatic; perfect for Palace dogfight.”

Across London, Arsenal’s Charles Watts blogged:

“Palace strengthening? Bad news for mid-table.”

Broader Context in South London Derby Rivals?

Neighbours like Brighton eye developments warily. Seagulls’ Argus reporter Andy Naylor said:

“Frank would hurt us—his systems exploit spaces.”