Chelsea have some serious convincing to do if they want Andoni Iraola to join them this summer.
The Blues’ search for a new manager has begun after their decision to sack Liam Rosenior on Wednesday, and Iraola will be available at the end of the season when his contract at Bournemouth expires.
However, appointing the 43-year-old will not be a straightforward task for Chelsea.
Who do YOU want to see replace Liam Rosenior now he is sacked?
Andoni Iraola wants stability and Spain return
According to BBC Sport, those close to Iraola claim that the Bournemouth boss is going to prioritise stability when looking for his next job.
Right now, that is obviously something that Chelsea cannot offer, and Iraola will be well aware of that after watching Rosenior get removed from his position less than four months after joining the club.
That is not the only thing that could prevent Iraola from moving to Stamford Bridge, though. BBC Sport’s report also states that Iraola wants to return to Spain.
Bournemouth's Spanish manager Andoni Iraola
Photo by Adrian Dennis / AFP via Getty Images
Whatever the case, the Spaniard does appear to be one of the names at the top of Chelsea’s shortlist of candidates to replace Rosenior.
In fact, it has been claimed that co-owner Behdad Eghbali wants Iraola to take over.
Andoni Iraola’s Premier League record at Bournemouth
Iraola would be a safe bet for Chelsea, or at least a safer one than Rosenior. He has managed in the Premier League and has done a pretty good job at Bournemouth.
Last season, the Cherries finished in the top half of the table and have the chance to secure a European spot this time around.
As per Transfermarkt, after 110 games in charge, Iraola has won 39 games, drawn 36 and lost 35.
Pros and cons of hiring Andoni Iraola?
He could replace Liam Rosenior at Chelsea this summer!
Andoni Iraola's Premier League record
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
What he has achieved at a club who continue to sell their best players every season is quite impressive. Chelsea could do a lot worse than Iraola and probably have in the past.
There are no truly elite managers currently available, so the likelihood is that they will have to settle for someone who is in a couple of brackets below.
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