- Palace search for Oliver Glasner’s replacement
- Experienced candidates preferred
- Palace’s European fate decided tonight
Crystal Palace look set to proceed to the Conference League final and could face a contender in the race to become Oliver Glasner’s replacement.
After goals from Ismaila Sarr, Daichi Kamada and Jørgen Strand Larsen, the Eagles lead 3-1 on aggregate over Shakhtar Donetsk, with the second leg taking place at Selhurst Park tonight at 8 pm.
Palace could earn a trip to Leipzig for the Conference League final in their debut European campaign. In what would likely be Glasner’s last match, he would face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano or French side Strasbourg.
Rayo won their first leg 1-0 and will travel to Strasbourg for tonight’s decider. Palace fans may be hoping for the La Liga outfit to succeed after an unfortunate 2-1 loss to Strasbourg in November.
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Inigo Perez “Highly Rated”
According to Sky Journalist, James Savundra, Rayo manager Inigo Perez is “highly rated” by the South London side. The 38-year-old has managed the Spanish side since February 2024, when he stepped up from assistant.
Perez has previously acted as assistant manager to Andoni Iraola. He is set to depart this summer following the expiration of this contract. Throughout this season, he has a 43% win rate and prefers to play in a 4-2-3-1 formation.
However, reports suggest Perez is deemed not experienced enough for the role, with Palace expected to take their time to replace, arguably, their greatest manager.
Iraola Should Remain Priority
With the focus on the season-defining semi-final, Palace are yet to progress in their managerial appointment.
Yet if Palace are searching for experience fit for a Europa League campaign, then prioritising a manager with experience operating under a tight budget and developing top stars would be ideal.
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola fits the criteria Palace requires and still remains their top contender after reports he was “attracted to living in London,” although Manchester United and Chelsea could also be interested in the 43-year-old.
Reports in Spain go as far as to say that Iraola is “close to joining” Palace and is enticed by the club’s project. He’s been the board’s ideal candidate and could be taking over the Conference League winners.
