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Oliver Glasner is hoping to end his time at Crystal Palace on a high note as his Eagles side gear up to face Rayo Vallecano in the Conference League final on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, Phil Foden’s exclusion from England’s World Cup squad has sparked strong criticism of Manchester City’s congested schedule from PFA chief executive Maheta Molango.

Noni Madueke, on the other hand, has insisted that Arsenal’s Premier League triumph will mean little when they take on Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League final.

Departing Palace manager Glasner has told his team that the perfect parting gift would be to qualify for next season’s Europa League by winning the final. The Austrian coach is set to bring his impressive tenure at Palace to a close when the final whistle blows in Leipzig.

He said, “Yesterday they gave me a lovely farewell, and I said a few words. For me, the best gift would be winning tomorrow—not just for the win itself, but because it would mean they’ll be playing European football in the Europa League next season.”

“They would achieve next year what we should have achieved this year. I told them I’d love to watch them start their Europa League campaign with belief and determination to win it too. That would make me truly happy.”

According to PFA chief executive Maheta Molango, Phil Foden has become a “victim” of football’s “insane” scheduling after being left out of England’s World Cup squad. Despite being named the PFA Players’ Player of the Year in 2024, the Manchester City midfielder was overlooked by England manager Thomas Tuchel following a below-par season.

Molango, who also serves on the board of FIFPRO, the global players’ union, said, “Phil was voted less than two years ago by his peers as the best player in the Premier League. Sadly, he’s one of the casualties of this crazy calendar that only benefits those chasing commercial profits, at the expense of the game’s quality and the wellbeing of players who are part of football’s heritage.”

As Arsenal prepare for Saturday’s Champions League final in Hungary, Noni Madueke believes the pressure remains squarely on the Gunners despite their recent domestic success. Arsenal head into the clash on a high after defeating Manchester City to secure the Premier League title.

“It’s definitely better that we’ve won the Premier League before going into the Champions League final,” Madueke said. “But I don’t think we’ll be thinking about that. Our focus will be on winning another one, and the Premier League will feel irrelevant on that night.”

In Scotland, Lawrence Shankland has set his sights on consistent success after completing his “dream” move to Rangers. The 30-year-old striker has signed a two-year deal with an option for a third, joining from Hearts after triggering a release clause in his contract.

Speaking to Rangers TV, Shankland said, “I’m thrilled to be here and to have this chance. Rangers have always been my boyhood club, and it’s been a lifelong dream to play here. The club is determined to get back to winning trophies regularly, and I want to play a big role in that—that’s why I’m here.”

Crystal Palace will aim to lift their second major trophy in as many years—twelve months after their FA Cup victory—when they take on Spanish side Rayo Vallecano at the Red Bull Arena in the Conference League final.