Scharner’s Great FA Cup Moment
- Oliver Glasner, manager of Crystal Palace, is on the cusp of potentially becoming the first Austrian coach to win the prestigious FA Cup.
- Scharner, reflecting on his own FA Cup success with Wigan Athletic, expressed his confidence in Glasner's Crystal Palace side.
- Wigan's 2013 FA Cup victory, secured by Ben watson's late goal, remains the club's only major national title.
Glasner Eyes FA Cup Glory, Scharner Predicts Triumph for Crystal Palace
Table of Contents
Oliver Glasner, manager of Crystal Palace, is on the cusp of potentially becoming the first Austrian coach to win the prestigious FA Cup. former Wigan Athletic player Paul Scharner, who himself lifted the trophy in 2013, is backing Glasner to lead his team to victory against Manchester City.
Scharner Confident in Glasner’s FA Cup Bid
Scharner, reflecting on his own FA Cup success with Wigan Athletic, expressed his confidence in Glasner’s Crystal Palace side. He recalled the magnitude of the competition during an interview, highlighting the tradition and pageantry surrounding the event.
Wigan’s 2013 FA Cup victory, secured by Ben watson’s late goal, remains the club’s only major national title. For Crystal Palace, a win would mark their first-ever title in a major competition, a feat that Scharner believes would be a significant achievement for Glasner.
Wembley’s Grandeur: A Stage for History
Scharner emphasized the significance of the FA Cup in England, noting the elaborate spectacle surrounding the final at wembley Stadium. “They hold this in very high regard in England, especially at Wembley Stadium,” Scharner said. “The Royal Family attends the final; the players are greeted. It’s all very conventional.”

Crystal Palace, who first competed for the title in 1871/72, are making their third final appearance, having lost to Manchester United in both 1990 and 2016.Scharner hopes that this time, against Manchester City, the “Eagles” can finally secure the trophy.
Optimism for Glasner’s Eagles
scharner is optimistic about Crystal Palace’s chances, stating, “I am very optimistic as Manchester City is not as dominant this year. This presents an opportunity for Crystal Palace, as the underdog, to capitalize.” Scharner predicts a 2-1 victory for Glasner’s side.
He lauded Glasner’s impact on the team, noting the importance of the club’s support during a challenging initial period. “He has done a really good job,” Scharner said. “It was critically important that the club stood behind him after a difficult start. Now, he has shown them what can be achieved.” Glasner previously led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory.
Scharner’s next Generation
Scharner,who played 221 games in the Premier League for Wigan and West Bromwich,remains connected to his former clubs. He is also involved in mentoring young footballers, with his sons, Benedict and Paul-Pius, pursuing their own careers in the sport.Benedict is currently with Hellas Verona’s youth setup, while Paul-Pius recently had a trial with Hamburger SV.

Scharner himself moved from Hamburger SV to wigan, a move that preceded his FA Cup triumph. He hopes Glasner can follow a similar path to success.
Reflecting on his own experiences playing at Wembley, Scharner recalled a memorable 1-0 victory where he helped contain Argentinian stars Carlos Tevez and Sergio Agüero. He also mentioned being part of Arsenal’s FA Cup-winning squad in 1998, even though he was an unused substitute in the final.
Scharner jokingly suggested a winning strategy for Crystal Palace: “Quite simply: score the winning goal in the 91st minute.”
Glasner’s FA Cup Dream: Scharner’s Crystal Palace Triumph Prediction & Insights
The FA Cup, steeped in tradition and prestige, is a competition that stirs the soul of English football. As Crystal Palace, under the guidance of Oliver Glasner, vies for glory, former Wigan athletic player Paul Scharner, a man who knows the taste of FA Cup victory, shares his insights and predictions. Let’s dive into a Q&A session covering Scharner’s viewpoint on this exciting FA Cup journey.
Paul Scharner is a former professional footballer who played in the Premier league for Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion. He is best known for his role in Wigan Athletic’s historic FA Cup victory in 2013. Scharner himself lifted the trophy, making him intimately familiar with the pride and significance of the competition.
Scharner is optimistic about Crystal palace’s prospects. He believes that Manchester City’s perceived lack of dominance this year presents a significant chance for Crystal Palace as an underdog. He’s gone as far as to predict a 2-1 victory for Glasner’s side, highlighting his genuine belief in their potential.
Scharner emphasizes the magnitude and tradition surrounding the FA Cup. He points to the elaborate spectacle, particularly at Wembley Stadium. The attendance of the Royal Family, the special greetings for players, and the overall sense of occasion contribute to its prestige and importance in the English football landscape.

Crystal Palace has a rich but somewhat bittersweet history in the FA Cup. They first competed for the title in the 1871/72 season, and this final appearance represents their third time in the final. They have unluckily lost in both 1990 and 2016 to Manchester United. Scharner hopes this time around, against Manchester City, will see the Eagles finally lift the trophy.
Scharner praises Glasner’s impact on the team, emphasizing the importance of the club’s support for him during a challenging initial period. He believes Glasner has “done a really good job” and that the club’s backing has allowed him to work his magic. Scharner also highlights Glasner’s previous success, having led Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory.
Scharner recalls a memorable 1-0 victory where he played a crucial role in containing Argentinian stars Carlos Tevez and Sergio Agüero. He also mentions being part of Arsenal’s FA Cup-winning squad in 1998, though he was an unused substitute in the final. These experiences give him a unique perspective on the atmosphere and pressure of playing at Wembley.
Scharner remains closely connected to his former clubs, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion. He’s also actively involved in mentoring young footballers. His sons, Benedict, currently with Hellas Verona’s youth setup, and Paul-Pius, who recently had a trial with Hamburger SV, are pursuing their own careers in the sport, showcasing his commitment to nurturing future talent.

Scharner playfully suggests a winning strategy for Crystal Palace: “Quite simply: score the winning goal in the 91st minute.” This humorous comment captures the excitement and unpredictability of football.
paul Scharner provides a engaging perspective on Crystal Palace’s FA Cup journey, blending his personal experiences with a clear understanding of the competition’s significance. His backing of Glasner’s team, coupled with his insights into the pageantry of Wembley, makes his predictions both credible and engaging for football fans.
