Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner, who previously managed Eintracht Frankfurt to Europa League glory in 2022, will make a goodwill visit to his former club's staff at their London hotel before their quarter-final match against Tottenham this week. Glasner's presence could act as a lucky charm for the German team, who are enjoying a remarkable season, sitting third in the Bundesliga and competing in the Europa League quarters.
Glasner shared his thoughts on the upcoming match, though without confirming whether he will offer any tips on how to face Spurs, saying: "I will visit them the day before (the Tottenham game) in their hotel - not the players but of course many of the staff are still working there. I am pretty sure Frankfurt are having a fantastic season, they are positioned third in the Bundesliga and also in the quarter-finals of the Europa League. These games are so important for the club and fans - and I know there will be many at the Spurs stadium.
"I really know what a good team Tottenham is and I expect a very good quarter-final with two attacking teams. These are two teams with a lot of pace in their squads - I am looking forward to watching this game but I will watch it on TV."
Frankfurt, under Glasner's leadership, secured the Europa League title by defeating Rangers in the 2022 final and went on to make a strong showing in the Champions League the following year, advancing from the group stage alongside Tottenham.
Tottenham head coach Ange Postecoglou may find himself under increased pressure, with winning the Europa League potentially his only hope to salvage his job. Big Ange is now in the last chance saloon to uphold his impressive record of securing a trophy in his second season at every club he has managed.
This season, Premier League matches involving Spurs have seen more goals than any other team - a staggering 105 in 31 games, with only Liverpool (72) outscoring Tottenham's 58.
However, their ongoing defensive frailties, exacerbated by injuries that have led Postecoglou to utilise 16 different defensive combinations, make Frankfurt the favourites to progress.
Meanwhile, Glasner's Palace have suffered just one more Premier League defeat this season than third-placed Nottingham Forest.