'Upset and anxious': Oliver Glasner slams football authorities over Crystal Palace fixture pile-up | OneFootball

The Eagles are set to play five matches in ten days in December

Oliver Glasner has called on football’s governing bodies to prioritise player welfare when scheduling matches as Crystal Palace face an increasingly congested schedule.

After beating Liverpool to qualify for the Carabao Cup quarter-finals, Palace face the unenviable prospect of playing five matches in ten days in the lead-up to Christmas.

Speaking ahead of a derby clash with Brentford, Glasner called on the Premier League, EFL, and UEFA to collaborate on their schedules to protect players from injuries.

“When I heard it the first time yesterday, I couldn’t believe that they are considering this, but I am really upset.

“In the summer, in the offseason, there are people who have to work on the schedule, and I would really prefer if they worked together.

“It would be nice if UEFA, Premier League, FA, and EFL talk together because it is not so surprising that this can happen. This is what really makes me upset and anxious.

“Of course, it also affects Arsenal and all our opposition, which is why I say wait until the draw is done and then fix it and find the best solution for the players’ welfare. Not for Oliver Glasner, not for Crystal Palace, for the players’ welfare.

“That is their job, it is what they get paid for, this is what I expect.”

He continued, pointing out that FIFA’s call for players to have a mandatory rest period between matches had been widely disregarded by the game’s governing bodies.

“We could play every single day, I’d have the easiest job. You don’t have to plan the training, just give a team talk and let’s go. What we need to investigate is common sense.

“There was a meeting in July in New York where FIFA met different players’ organisations, and there was a suggestion that FIFA, the highest organisation in football, they suggest a mandatory 72 hours between two competitive games.

“Now, here in England, they say they don’t care what they are telling us.

“Just wait till the draw, and then fix the games. I really don’t understand. I really push very hard and strong that they don’t let us play three games in four days, because again, it is irresponsible.”