- Crystal Palace had eyed Andoni Iraola
- Chelsea now considering the Bournemouth boss
- Liam Rosenior sacked
Crystal Palace could miss out on top managerial target Andoni Iraola following Chelsea’s decision to sack Liam Rosenior. The Blues dismissed the English coach on Wednesday after a 3-0 loss to Brighton & Hove Albion.
Rosenior lasted just three months at Stamford Bridge, but a dismal run of five defeats without scoring led to his early departure. The west Londoners are now searching for a successor, although they will make a permanent appointment at the end of the season.
Calum McFarlane has been tasked with seeing their season out as caretaker manager. But it appears the higher-ups have set their sights on Iraola.
Chelsea Threaten to Ruin Palace’s Iraola Dream
Palace’s interest in Iraola has been confirmed by David Ornstein and there are even reports in Spain that a “multi-million” offer has been put on the table. The Spaniard has confirmed he’s leaving Bournemouth when his contract expires in June.
Steve Parish and his board seemed to have a good chance of luring Iraola to Selhurst Park. Tottenham Hotspur were eyeing the 43-year-old but appointed Roberto De Zerbi on a permanent basis.
Manchester United appear set to confirm Michael Carrick as their permanent manager amid an interim head coach role. That paved the way for Palace if Iraola intended to stay in the Premier League.
According to talkSPORT’s Alex Crook, the Spanish tactician is among the early candidates to replace Rosenior. That will come as a blow for the Eagles, who could now be up against one of the richest clubs in English football.
Chelsea and Palace aren’t the only ones thought to be interested in Iraola. His former club, Athletic Club, are also admirers, while Villarreal are also considering him.
Iraola has spent just short of three years at the Vitality Stadium and earned major plaudits. He has guided the Cherries up the Premier League table despite constant high-profile departures.
Iraola Could Choose Palace
There’s no guarantee that Iraola would be enticed to take the Chelsea job, given the turmoil unfolding at the club. The Blues don’t look likely to be playing Champions League football next season as their defeat to Brighton leaves them seventh, seven points off the top five.
Palace might even be able to offer the Spaniard the chance to manage in a superior European competition. As it stands, the West Londoners would be competing in the Conference League next season.
Glasner’s men remain in that competition and are in the semi-finals against Shakhtar Donetsk. Should the South Londoners win the trophy in Leipzig next month, it would book them a place in next season’s Europa League.
