Crystal Palace back in business under Glasner but Shakhtar no pushovers

Oliver Glasner has stressed Palace’s ‘huge respect’ for Shakhtar. Photograph: Alex Davidson/Getty Images

A run of eight matches unbeaten ended at Liverpool on Saturday but Glasner has managed to help his side rediscover their form just when it matters most.

“I didn’t fall out with the chairman – we just had some discussions and that’s normal. If we are always hugging each other the whole time maybe you don’t get the best output. We all have the same role, which is playing the best possible season,” said Glasner. “The rest of the players make it so easy for me because they are always listening. They are always giving their best in every single training. It’s easy because I really love to manage this group of players. They give so much back with their attitude.”

Palace face a Shakhtar side who have only lost once in their last 23 matches in all competitions. Despite being almost 1,000 miles from the Donbas Arena that last hosted a match in 2014 when Russia invaded eastern Ukraine, they will be backed by vociferous exiled support – albeit with thousands of visiting fans also anticipated to be in the home sections having bought tickets on spec as soon as they got past Fiorentina in the last round.

The red and blue surroundings of Wisla Krakow’s stadium should at least make Palace feel at home, although Glasner is clearly wary of facing opponents whose manager, Arda Turan, pointed out will be playing for the pride of their war-torn nation.

“I’m a dreamer, we can’t give up our dreams and I believe these dreams will be deeply felt by my players as well,” said Turan. “There is war in Ukraine and yet people live their lives. Every day shows that this nation never gives up.”

Tyrick Mitchell was Palace’s only fitness concern but the England defender has travelled and is relishing the opportunity to win another trophy for Glasner before he leaves. “That’s one of the main reasons. Winning the competition for ourselves and for the gaffer,” he said. “We see every day how much effort he puts into us. How much dedication he has for us. So I think that would be one of the best sendoffs, to win a competition for him and all his staff.”