Wembley Stadium, August 10, 2025 — The Community Shield showdown between Crystal Palace and Liverpool is already heating up after Palace boss Oliver Glasner aimed some pre-match mind games at the Reds.
Speaking to the press just hours before kick-off, Glasner revealed his tactical approach—and a very specific worry.
“It’s not about buying players—it’s about knowing how to use them,” he said. “I’ve got a good but tricky plan to stop Liverpool. My only concern? Florian Wirtz and Mohamed Salah. If they’re at their best, we’re in trouble. I want my players to step up, shut them down, and maybe even force one of them off early. Neutralize them, and we win. If not… it could get ugly.”
The Austrian coach’s words add extra fuel to an already high-stakes clash. Palace, fresh off last season’s FA Cup triumph, have spent the week perfecting a pressing-and-counter style aimed at cutting Liverpool’s creative supply. Glasner hinted that intense man-marking and aggressive early challenges could be part of the plan.
Liverpool enter the tie with mixed fortunes—Salah and Wirtz are fully fit, but two other first-team regulars are sidelined through injury, potentially disrupting rhythm and depth.
Inside Anfield, there’s quiet confidence, but Glasner’s strategy makes it clear: Palace intend to target Liverpool’s attack from the first whistle, hoping to turn the Reds’ biggest strengths into weaknesses.
With the Community Shield as the season’s curtain-raiser, this game is about more than a trophy—it’s about making a statement. For Palace, nullifying Salah and Wirtz could deliver an early piece of silverware. For Liverpool, it’s the first test of their title credentials against a physical, focused opponent.
Kick-off is approaching. The atmosphere is electric. Wembley is ready.
