Oliver Glasner hopes Palace are destined to enjoy ‘long journey’ in Europe

Oliver Glasner hopes Crystal Palace’s trip to the Conference League last 16 is just the next step on a “long journey” in Europe.

Goals from Maxence Lacroix and Evann Guessand at Selhurst Park secured the hosts a 2-0 victory over Zrinjski Mostar in the second encounter of their two-legged play-off to win the tie 3-1 on aggregate.

The result also alleviates pressure on the Eagles boss, whose side will face one of Mainz, who occupy the same position in the Bundesliga, or Cypriot side AEK Larnaca, familiar foes from the league stage, in the knockouts.

“I’m really pleased with this win,” said Glasner. “I said before the game, the fans are always behind the team, and I think (Dean) Henderson (said it well) when he said, ‘everybody should enjoy Europe together’, because it is the first time.

“I don’t know how quickly Europe returns to Selhurst. Of course, now, at least one more time, and hopefully the European journey is a very long journey, and I think this is up to the great support from the beginning to the end.”

Glasner’s side snapped a 12-game winless streak across all competitions by beating Brighton earlier this month, but Sunday’s victory over Wolves was just their second win in 16 and the mood had started to sour in south London, where the Austrian boss found himself at odds with some of the Eagles’ disenchanted fanbase following a tumultuous January.

“I think one of our biggest strengths is togetherness,” said Glasner. “And we have some noise sometimes in the group as well.

“It’s not that we are always hugging each other and kissing each other, sometimes we are also very critical and honest with each other. I think this is the same with the fans. They are critical with us, and they are honest with us.

“I think we are the same with them, but this is what a good relationship is all about, to be honest with each other, and now I am sure we can all enjoy the rest of the season.”

The Eagles boss has conceded he might have played a part in what had felt like a fraying relationship between the manager and some sections of Palace’s supporters, but reiterated that honesty and passion remain qualities he considers strengths.

“I can’t do it differently,” he said. “If I feel something then I say it, and then I also have to take the s***storm that follows.”

Glasner is wary of Palace being branded “favourites” to win the Conference League – one again echoed by Zrinjski boss Igor Stimac, who said the Eagles and Mainz were in his top three, but appreciates why many feel they should follow in Chelsea’s footsteps.

“Yes, I can understand,” he added. “When a team from the Premier League plays in the Conference League, then the expectation is you win it.”