- Andoni Iraola chose Liverpool over Crystal Palace
- Report explains why
- Spaniard signed two-year deal at Anfield
Andoni Iraola had been the top managerial candidate for Crystal Palace until the Spaniard opted to replace Arne Slot at Liverpool. A superb spell at Bournemouth made him one of Europe’s most highly admired tacticians.
Palace eyed Iraola as the ideal Oliver Glasner successor ahead of the Austrian’s departure. Various reports suggested that the Eagles had made offers to the 43-year-old but eventually he headed to Anfield.
Now, a report from The Athletic has explained what went down between Iraola and Steve Parish’s board. It informs fans why the South London football outfit failed to land their man.
Why Iraola snubbed Palace
It’s claimed that talks between Iraola and Palace were “very advanced”, and those discussions included recruitment and playing style. The outlet insists that no concrete offer was made to the Spaniard despite claims made in Spain.
Liverpool are said to have used Richard Hughes’ relationship with Iraola to land him. The pair previously worked together at Bournemouth, and thus the possibility of a reunion paid dividends.
Iraola signed a two-year deal with the Merseysiders and replaced Slot, who was sacked on May 30th. He is tasked with guiding the Reds back into the title picture after they fell to fifth this season.
Sage it is
Palace may rue missing out on Iraola but competing with Liverpool for the Spaniard is extremely difficult. Not least the fact that they were 2024-25 Premier League champions and had spent £400m last summer.
That said, the Eagles showed ambition trying to bring him to Selhurst Park. The higher-ups have now turned their attention to Pierre Sage, and it looks increasingly likely that the French tactician will succeed Glasner.
For many, Sage is the best option after failing to appoint Iraola. He has earned huge plaudits in France, overseeing a second-placed finish and winning the Coupe de France with Lens this season.
