Oliver Glasner: Dean Henderson calls for unity after Crystal Palace fans turn on head coach after frustrating UEFA Conference League draw

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Crystal Palace have won one of their past 15 games across all competitions. It is two years since Oliver Glasner took charge and in that time he has won an FA Cup, a Community Shield, enjoyed a record-breaking unbeaten run and boasts a 44% win ratio from 100 games - but some fans turned on the Austrian following their 1-1 draw with Zrinjski Mostar in their UEFA Conference League play-off.

Highlights: VAR decision saves Palace blushes in frustrating draw

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Crystal Palace captain Dean Henderson has called for unity after some supporters called for Oliver Glaser to be sacked as head coach following the 1-1 draw with HSK Zrinjski in the first leg of their UEFA Conference League play-off in Bosnia.

Glasner, who has already announced he is leaving the club at the end of the season, marked his second anniversary at Selhurst Park on Thursday - but the Austrian was unable to celebrate the occasion with a morale-boosting victory.

Ismaila Sarr struck two minutes before half-time to hand the Eagles an advantage, yet the early promise faded. Palace struggled to assert control and were ultimately punished when Karlo Abramovic drove a finish beyond Henderson, leaving the tie finely balanced before next week’s second leg at Selhurst Park.

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The result underlined a stark run of form: one win in 15 matches across all competitions. At full-time, a section of the travelling support chanted "sacked in the morning" in Glasner's direction.

"Palace have struggled with a lack of leaders in this group since Marc Guehi left so what they need now are leaders from the front," Lucy Ward said on commentary duty for TNT Sports.

"They've gone from one of the Premier League's feel-good stories last season to one that is struggling for momentum and direction."

But Henderson, who assumed the captaincy from Guehi last month, struck a note of defiance. The goalkeeper urged unity and insisted Palace retain the belief to turn the tie in their favour and reach the last 16.

"It's about keeping spirits high," Henderson told TNT Sports. "We've been in tough moments before and come out the other end. There's always light at the end of the tunnel, so we've got to rally around each other."

'Light at the end of the tunnel' - Henderson urges Palace to 'rally'

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"The team spirit is growing. We've got some new players in now and some new energy, which is nice. We've got to play with more confidence and not let the doom and gloom get on top of us.

"It's not going to be easy. It's not just going to be given to us. We can't just expect to turn up and win three, 4-0. It's as simple as that. We've got to learn from it.

"The AEK Larnaca game was the one which opened our eyes to it. We've got to play at our best tempo, and make sure we give it our best shot."

Nine-times Bosnian champions Zrinjski might have taken a slender advantage to south London next Thursday but referee Manfredas Lukjancukas went to the pitchside monitor to check an alleged handball against Daniel Munoz inside the box.

Watch: Palace sliced open 'too easily' as Zrinjski net shock equaliser

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Upon VAR inspection, however, a foul in the build-up meant the on-field decision of no penalty was upheld. The reprieve didn't allow Glasner to escape the wrath of those caged in the away end at the Stadion Bijeli Brijeg - and the 51-year-old knows his side cannot make any excuses for not progressing from the home leg.

"I’m a little disappointed because after controlling the game we gave away the momentum too easily through our own mistakes," the Palace boss said.

"That made it more difficult than it should have been. It is level at half-time in the tie, and we have to raise our level. Zrinjski did not surprise us, they played as we expected, very organised and physical. I expect a similar game in the second leg with a deep block and transitions."

Lacroix injury adds to Palace concerns

Palace could be without Maxence Lacroix for the return leg after the centre-back sustained a muscle injury and was substituted during the second period.

Glasner said that he may have to show further flexibility with his team selection in a bid to arrest the slide.

"I don't know the level but it's the adductor and the muscle, and you have to make a substitution due to a muscle problem. It's never a good sign," Glasner said of Lacroix's injury.

Sarr finds breakthrough for Palace with 'terrific' finish

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"Hopefully, it's not too bad because Chadi Riad cramped at the end. He just came back from more than a year out and then has played every three or four days.

"Lerma is out, so Tyrick Mitchell is an option. Now, we have to be very creative to find the right players for these positions.

"We have to be very self-critical today. We controlled the game like against Burnley but we gave away the momentum with easy mistakes. Maybe, that's what we have to learn with a few young players in defence but the learning should be quick. In three days, there are no leaders born."

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