Andoni Iraola: Crystal Palace's Top Choice for New Era
Andoni Iraola has emerged as the man Crystal Palace want to lead them into a new era – and potentially into the Europa League.
The Bournemouth boss, who has already confirmed he will leave the Vitality Stadium this summer, sits at the top of Palace’s shortlist to replace Oliver Glasner, with the south London club now moving with purpose to bring him to Selhurst Park.
Palace plan for life after Glasner
Glasner’s departure has been coming. The Austrian made his decision clear back in January and will walk away at the end of the month, even after guiding Palace to the first European final in the club’s history.
That achievement has raised the stakes. Palace are not just replacing a head coach; they are replacing a man who has put them on the continental map. The search has been intense, and, according to multiple sources, it has led them squarely to Iraola.
The 41-year-old announced last month that he would be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season. Palace, who first had their interest in him revealed in January, have now stepped up their pursuit and are understood to see him as their preferred option.
He knows it too. Iraola is aware of Palace’s interest and, after initial conversations, is not dismissing the idea of taking charge of the Eagles next season.
A crowded field, one clear favourite
Palace have cast the net wide. They have looked at Coventry manager Frank Lampard, Ipswich’s Kieran McKenna, former Tottenham boss Thomas Frank, ex-Nottingham Forest manager Sean Dyche, Fulham’s Marco Silva and Lens coach Pierre Sage.
All serious names. All with different profiles. But the momentum, for now, sits with Iraola.
There is a key factor in his favour: he wants to stay in the Premier League. Having already decided to leave Bournemouth, Iraola is open to another English top-flight project, and Palace are determined to make that project theirs.
Newcastle would have tempted him. The St James’ Park job is one that appeals to many ambitious coaches, and Iraola would have been no different. Yet with Eddie Howe expected to remain in charge unless something dramatic changes, that door appears closed.
Chelsea represent another potential opening as they search for a successor to Liam Rosenior, who was sacked last month. Even so, Palace believe they are firmly in the race and are acting accordingly.
Timing, power and Europe
Inside Selhurst Park there is a clear understanding: the managerial situation is fluid. Iraola is the leading candidate, but not the only one. The club remain confident they can attract a proven head coach even if their move for the Spaniard does not come off.
They also know they cannot wait forever.
Palace want a new manager in place as quickly as possible to shape the summer – not just pre-season plans, but recruitment. The next head coach will need a say in transfers, and every week lost in June can cost you in August.
There is also a powerful selling point on the table.
Glasner has taken Palace to the final of the Europa Conference League, where they will face Spanish side Rayo Vallecano on 27 May. Win that, and Palace will be in next season’s Europa League.
For a coach like Iraola, that prospect changes the picture. A stable Premier League club in London, a squad already good enough to challenge for Europe, and the chance to walk straight into a Europa League campaign – it is a compelling package.
Palace are pushing to make sure he sees it that way.
