Crystal Palace: Why Eagles and Conference League are a good fit

Making their debut, Palace were established as favorites to win the Conference League at the start of the season.

It took them a while to achieve that label, as most of their performances in Europe seemed a bit bloated.

But their 3-0 win against two-time Conference League finalists Fiorentina showed what they are capable of.

Palace’s next step is a two-legged semi-final against Shakhtar, with Strasbourg taking on Rayo Vallecano in the other match.

“They underestimated them [Fiorentina] really, but they’re going to expect some really tough games from now on, there’s good quality in the competition,” Tomkins added.

“The question is whether they can bring the positivity they had in the first game. This was the best I’ve seen them in a while. The three-week break did them great good and they looked like the team we saw earlier this season and last season.”

The season will end with Glasner’s departure, but it could also end with a European trophy.

“Of course, that’s what we all want,” the Austrian said.

“We want to enjoy not only football, but our life together. The more successful you are, the more you enjoy life.

“When you play in the semi-finals, you want to get everything at the end and that’s what we’ll go for.”