“Everyone knows” – Textor on attempt for Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace success

Lyon owner John Textor says he wanted to bring Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner to France before his arrival in London.

The American businessman, through Eagle Football Holdings Limited, owns the Ligue 1 side, Botafogo and RWDM Brussels. He was also co-owner of Crystal Palace until he sold his stake to Woody Johnson earlier this year.

Textor sat down for a lengthy interview with RMC Sport, where he also talked about Crystal Palace and Glasner.

The Premier League side appointed the Austrian as manager in February 2024.

He was instrumental in helping the Eagles win the FA Cup last season, which was the first major trophy in the club’s history. Crystal Palace also beat Liverpool to win the Community Shield in August.

Prior to Glasner’s arrival at Selhurst Park, Textor tried to appoint him as Lyon manager. Despite the failure to bring him to France, this helped the American build a connection with the 51-year-old. Ultimately, he’s suggested this helped Crystal Palace.

“At Crystal Palace, our capital allowed us to pay off the Covid-related debt and finish the academy. Everyone knows that my relationship with Oliver Glasner started here in Lyon. I tried to bring him to Lyon during that very difficult first year. He eventually joined Crystal Palace where he was very successful. We won the FA Cup, the club’s first trophy in 120 or 130 years,” he said.

Crystal Palace’s FA Cup success saw qualify for the UEFA Conference League. It was originally supposed to be the Europa League but the relationship with Lyon say they relegated. If John Textor did bring them Glasner then perhaps overall it’s been well worth it.

They are currently ninth in the table and fifth in the Premier League.