How Crystal Palace aim to give Oliver Glasner the perfect send off in UEFA Conference League final - ‘A great movie that needs a great ending’

React to this story

Dean Henderson is hoping for a Hollywood ending for departing head coach Oliver Glasner as Crystal Palace prepare to face Rayo Vallecano in the final of the UEFA Conference League.

Henderson: Palace have 'no fear' going into Conference League final

Video credit: TNT Sports

The Austrian announced in January that he would be leaving the south London club at the end of the season after just over two years in charge.

Glasner’s memorable tenure at Selhurst Park saw the club lift a major trophy for the first time when they beat Manchester City to win the FA Cup in 2025.

The club also won the Community Shield in August and embarked on a first ever European campaign in this season’s Conference League where they stand 90 minutes from glory when they take to the pitch at the Red Bull Arena in Leipzig.

Premier League

Summer transfer window 2026: Every Premier League done deal

4 hours ago

Speaking exclusively to TNT Sports before the game, Palace stopper Henderson described the perfect scenario to say goodbye to Glasner.

”It’s like a great movie that needs a great ending”, he said. ”And everyone wants that great ending, so that’s what we’re working towards and hopefully that’s what we deliver”.

The England keeper also hailed the unity of the squad and pinpointed the shared experience of a first European journey as a team as reason for their run to the final.

”Obviously it’s been difficult,” he said. ”You’ve got to remember, we’re going in and playing in the Premier League every weekend and playing Thursday night but we managed to get in this situation in the first season we’ve done it all together.

”There’s been a lot of learning curves but we’re here now and we’re just so together, so united and ready”.

Henderson also suggested that experiencing the taste of success has provided a greater incentive to achieve and push on for more glory in future.

”I remember coming in after the FA Cup and it was like, ‘What’s next?' And then the Community Shield, ‘What’s next?'

”Obviously it gives you that confidence to keep going and takes away that pressure of not doing it before as well.

”You’ve already delivered so you can come into the game, play with confidence, have no fear and it’s going to be special.”

He added: "You work your whole life to play games like this, cup finals. Ultimately, you’ve got to enjoy it as well.

'This can continue' - Glasner backs Palace trophy hunt even after exit

Glasner’s transformative impact has seen the club play in Europe for the first time and potentially lift silverware for the third time in 12 months.

Despite his imminent departure, however, the Austrian believes that success in Leipzig would be the perfect platform for the club to continue the pursuit for honours going forward, having developed something of a winning mindset.

”Definitely,” he said when asked if Palace can continue to compete for trophies after he leaves.

”If the club doesn't believe in it, it won't happen. If the players don't believe in it, it won't happen. If the manager doesn't believe in it, it won't happen.

”I just told the players, for me, winning the Conference League, the best part of it would be that they can play Europa League next year.

”I will definitely watch the games, if I watch their games on TV, and I see that they have the desire, the commitment and the belief that they also can win the Europa League, then I think we created a great mindset and a great foundation.

”The players are working so hard, that's why I believe, yes, this can continue.

”That doesn't mean that you always win a trophy every single year, but that it's possible to be competitive on the highest level.”

'Everything is possible' - Glasner hopes Palace can win Europa League next season

Video credit: TNT Sports

Despite the club’s success since taking over, Glasner downplayed his own influence, instead highlighting the hard work of the players.

Before the final, he insisted this collective effort would continue and, should they emerge victorious, that focus should not solely be on him.

”Again, I don't see myself as so important that we always have to talk about what it does mean for me,” he added.

”I think for me it means a lot because it means a lot for us, for the group, for the players, for the club, for the fans - and that's why it's important for me.

”I try to support the players, to help them that they are best prepared and they can show the best performance.

”The players are in a fantastic shape and that's why we're all looking forward to tomorrow's game and then enjoy the final.”

How to watch the UEFA Europa League final

You can watch the Conference League final on TNT Sports and HBO Max.

TNT Sports is available across all major TV platforms, offering a line-up of up to four TV channels (TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 2, TNT Sports 3, TNT Sports 4), and up to six digital or red-button channels (TNT Sports 5 to 10), and TNT Sports Ultimate plus TNT Sports Box Office HD.

You can subscribe to TNT Sports through HBO Max, BT, EE, Sky, and Virgin Media.

To find out where your local establishments showing TNT Sports are, use our Pub Finder.

For the latest information on which football matches are on TNT Sports, click here.

Here is the TNT Sports schedule and TV guide.

Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.

Premier League