Crystal Palace chairman Steve Parish has spoken openly about the club's aspirations to qualify for the Europa League, while acknowledging the hurdles they must overcome to achieve this goal.
In a revealing interview, Parish admitted that while European football remains a key ambition for the South London club, current challenges – both on and off the pitch – are making progress difficult.
The Europa League Dream
"We want to be in Europe," Parish stated emphatically. "The Europa League is where we see this club competing in the near future. It's about building the right foundations to get there."
The chairman pointed to the club's recent investments in both players and infrastructure as evidence of their commitment to growth. However, he conceded that competing with wealthier Premier League rivals presents significant obstacles.
Challenges at Selhurst Park
Parish didn't shy away from discussing the difficulties Palace currently face:
- Financial constraints compared to 'big six' clubs
- Stadium development delays
- Maintaining squad depth for Premier League demands
- Balancing short-term results with long-term vision
"We're operating in perhaps the most competitive league in the world," Parish noted. "Every season is a battle just to maintain our status, let alone push for Europe."
The Path Forward
Despite the challenges, Parish remains optimistic about Palace's future:
- Continued investment in youth development
- Strategic player recruitment
- Stadium redevelopment plans
- Building a sustainable financial model
"We're building something special here," Parish concluded. "It might take time, but our ambitions remain high. The Europa League is absolutely part of our vision for Crystal Palace."
