- Crystal Palace want Andoni Iraola
- Chelsea have him on their radar
- Spaniard will be available this summer
Crystal Palace’s hopes of landing Andoni Iraola as Oliver Glasner’s successor have reportedly been jeopardised, with Chelsea now eyeing the Spaniard. He has already confirmed he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season.
Iraola emerged as Palace’s top candidate to replace Glasner when he leaves Selhurst Park once the campaign concludes. The Spanish tactician has earned major plaudits during his time in charge at the Vitality Stadium.
The 43-year-old replaced Gary O’Neil back in July 2023 and has overseen an incredible transformation of the Cherries. His side find themselves in contention to qualify for Europe, sitting seventh with 49 points from 34 games.
Chelsea Threaten Palace’s Iraola Pursuit
Iraola is highly admired and, as such, has landed on Chelsea’s managerial shortlist. A report from The Daily Mail claims that the vacancy at Stamford Bridge could be an issue for Steve Parish and the Palace board.
The Blues sacked Liam Rosenior last week and put Callum McFarlane in charge on an interim basis. They intend to appoint a permanent replacement for Rosenior, who does have admirers at Selhurst Park.
Palace are believed to have spoken to Iraola’s camp ahead of Glasner’s departure. He is viewed as the top choice to succeed the Austrian.
The good news is that the Spaniard isn’t the only manager on the west Londoners’ radar. Eddie Howe and Marco Silva are also linked, and it seems they intend to go with a coach with Premier League experience.
There have been claims that Iraola has already snubbed offers from the Eagles. It’s not known whether this is due to finances, a desire for another job, or a wish to wait until the summer to decide his future.
Conference League Triumph Could be Crucial
If it comes down to a race between Palace and Chelsea for Iraola, his decision might depend on European competition. It looks increasingly likely that the Blues won’t be able to offer him Champions League football.
The west London giants sit eighth at the moment, 10 points off the top five with four games remaining. There would need to be a shocking turn of events for them to qualify for Europe’s elite club competition.
There’s even a chance they don’t play European football altogether given they are behind Iraola’s Bournemouth who occupy the Conference League qualification spot. A point seperates them heading into the last four games.
Palace’s European ambitions now rest on winning the Conference League and Glasner’s men are in the semi-finals. They face Shakhtar Donetsk with the first leg on Thursday.
If the Eagles were to win that competition, they’d be granted a place in next season’s Europa League. That could give them a big advantage over Chelsea.
