Crystal is shattered: the captain left during the winter transfer window, the head coach will depart after this season, and the main striker insisted on leaving in the winter window.

Crystal Palace secured the FA Cup last season, their inaugural major title. As supporters anticipated further success, the club was eliminated early in this season’s FA Cup by a sixth-division side, then came the disappointing news that the “crystal” was cracked.

CaptainGuaitaGuaita transferred to Manchester City during the winter window on a six-month contract. He originally joined last summer, but coach Guus Hiddink halted his departure, citing the demands of competing in both European and Premier League matches and even threatened to resign. Now, half a season later, the Crystal Palace captain has still left.

Head CoachGuus HiddinkTensions with the club’s management have grown so severe that it’s confirmed he will leave at the end of the season. Hiddink has no worries about finding a new position.

Key StrikerMattetaFollowing the upheaval at Crystal Palace, Matteta insisted on leaving during the winter window. Both Premier League’s Aston Villa and Serie A’s Juventus are eager to sign him. Emery wants to bring in a strong striker in the winter, and the 28-year-old French forward, proven in the Premier League, is Aston Villa’s top target. Matteta is valued at €40 million and has scored 8 goals in this Premier League season.

If Crystal Palace loses captain Guaita and key striker Matteta, along with coach Hiddink departing after this season, the remaining matches will be tough. Rebuilding will also be difficult because this is a club lacking a winning mentality, unable to retain stars, forced to buy young talent for development, making it hard to compete for titles again…