- Andoni Iraola ‘close to joining’ Crystal Palace
- Spanish manager is put off Chelsea’s project
- Iraola leaves Bournemouth in June
Crystal Palace have reportedly made a breakthrough in their bid to appoint Andoni Iraola as Oliver Glasner’s successor. The Eagles have made the departing Bournemouth boss their top choice to take over next season.
A report from Marcos Benito of Spanish outlet El Chiringuito claims that Iraola is close to an agreement with Palace to become the club’s new manager. It’s said that he now prefers the Selhurst Park job over the Chelsea managerial vacancy.
Iraola is one of Europe’s most highly-admired young tacticians, and he’s been hugely successful at the Vitality Stadium. His side currently sit sixth in the Premier League, granting them UEFA Europa League football.
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Iraola to Replace Glasner?
Benito is believed to have said that Iraola is “close to joining” Palace. The Chelsea proposal “doesn’t fully convince him.” His decision is based on the sporting project which is described as “better”
Iraola has been at the top of Palace’s wishlist ahead of Glasner’s departure in June. He boasts Premier League experience along with an exciting brand of football.
Bournemouth have come on leaps and bounds since Iraola’s appointment in July 2023. He has transformed the Cherries from battling relegation to being in contention for European qualification.
The 43-year-old has overseen 12 wins and nine defeats in 37 games in charge at Bournemouth this season. That includes last Sunday’s 3-0 win over Palace.
It’s Either Palace or Chelsea
There is now a growing feeling that Iraola has limited options when deciding his next club. If the reports are true, it suggests he prefers Palace to Chelsea.
The Stamford Bridge hotseat is currently vacant following Liam Rosenior’s sacking last month. The Blues are on the lookout for a permanent replacement while Callum McFarlane leads the team as caretaker manager.
Iraola has been included on the list of names BlueCo is considering for its head coach role. But the likes of Xabi Alonso and Marco Silva have also emerged as candidates.
What Chelsea might not be able to offer the Spaniard is a place in European football next season. They sit ninth in the Premier League, three points behind seventh-place with three games remaining.
Palace are preparing for a Conference League second-leg semi-final tonight. They are 3-1 up on aggregate against Shakhtar Donetsk.
Should they advance to the final, they have a chance of not only winning their first-ever European trophy. But they also gain entry to next season’s Europa League, which will undoubtedly help attract not just players but a coach like Iraola.
