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Oliver Glasner, the Austrian-born manager of Crystal Palace Football Club, has an unconventional past that paved the way for his success in the football world. Born on February 26, 1976, in Vienna, Austria, Glasner grew up surrounded by music and sports. His father, a musician, and mother, a former athlete, instilled in him a love for the arts and athletics from an early age. Glasner’s introduction to football came when he was just nine years old, watching his idol, Franz Beckenbauer, lead West Germany to World Cup victory. He soon began playing soccer with his friends in the streets of Vienna, developing a passion that would drive him throughout his life. As Glasner grew older, so did his ambition. He attended the Vienna Sports College and later earned a degree in economics from the University of Innsbruck. However, it was during his time as an assistant coach at Austrian club Rapid Vienna that he truly discovered his calling. Glasner’s big break came when he took over as manager of Austrian side Austria Lustenau in 2006. His success at the helm earned him a move to Austria’s national team, where he worked under the guidance of former German coach Ralf Rangnick. Before joining Crystal Palace in 2019, Glasner had stints at several clubs, including FC Wacker Innsbruck and Austria Lustenau. Despite facing setbacks and disappointments along the way, his relentless drive and dedication to the sport saw him rise through the ranks of Austrian football. Now, as he navigates the challenges of managing a Premier League club, Glasner reflects on his past experiences with a sense of gratitude and humility. “I’ve been blessed with some incredible opportunities in my life,” he says. “From playing with my friends to coaching at the highest levels, it’s been an incredible journey.” When asked about his unorthodox approach to football, Glasner smiles mischievously. “Sometimes you need a little bit of chaos and unpredictability to achieve success,” he says. “That’s why I’m always looking for new ways to challenge my players and push them out of their comfort zones.”