- Crystal Palace eyeing Andoni Iraola
- Bournemouth boss on their managerial shortlist
- Spaniard keen on London
Crystal Palace have reportedly been handed a massive boost in their attempts to appoint Andoni Iraola as Oliver Glasner’s successor. The Spanish coach tops the Eagles’ managerial shortlist.
Iraola has confirmed he is leaving Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the season. He is highly sought-after with Chelsea and Manchester United also thought to be admirers.
Palace are extremely interested in the Cherries boss and this was confirmed by David Ornstein. But the potential competition for the Spaniard had cast doubts over him arriving at Selhurst Park.
Encouraging Signs
A new report from Jason Burt of The Telegraph claims that Palace have been “encouraged” to try and persuade Iraola to replace Glasner. The Spanish tactician is “attracted to living in London.”
The problem Steve Parish and the board might have is the threat of Chelsea pursuing the 43-year-old. The Blues are on the lookout for a new permanent manager after sacking Liam Rosenior last month.
Xabi Alonso and Marco Silva are also on their managerial shortlist, which does give Palace hope of not dealing with their London rivals. But the Bournemouth boss could very well be at the top of that list given his impressive reign at the Vitality.
Iraola took charge of the Cherries in the summer of 2023 and has pushed them up the Premier League table. This season, he’s overseen 11 wins and seven defeats in 34 games, with his side sitting seventh.
A Hugely Ambitious Appointment
If Palace were able to convince Iraola to succeed Glasner, it would be a huge show of ambition. There is much for the Spaniard to like about the project at Selhurst Park, including the academy and a clear desire to continue progressing towards a consistent challenge for European qualification.
Iraola has worked on a limited budget at Bournemouth and dealt extremely well with high-profile departures. He’s watched the likes of Antoine Semenyo and Dean Huijsen depart over the past year.
Glasner has similarly seen top stars depart, including Marc Guehi and Eberechi Eze. But the club have built a strong squad that has dealt with such situations.
For now, on the football side, all focus is on reaching the UEFA Conference League final in Leipzig. Glasner’s men are in action tonight when they face Shakhtar Donetsk in the first leg of their semi-final tie.
