As Chelsea’s hierarchy desperately searches for a replacement for Liam Rosenior, the race for Andoni Iraola is yet to really heat up, with the Bournemouth man in no rush.
Crystal Palace have identified Andoni Iraola as their dream choice to lead a new era. However, Chelsea are equally determined to secure the high-pressing tactician in the hope he can finally organise their talented but disjointed squad.
The Blues are reportedly prioritising a manager who can instill a clear identity, moving away from the yes man profile that we saw with Liam Rosenior.
Iraola’s stock has never been higher following an incredible run at Bournemouth that sees them currently sit in sixth position in the Premier League.
Normally, a battle between Palace and Chelsea for a manager would only end with one result, but nowadays the Blues are an unattractive proposition.
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Crystal Palace and Andoni Iraola have no agreement
There had been rumours that Iraola was Crystal Palace-bound after agreeing to manage them next season, but Ben Jacobs has put those rumours to bed on Give Me Sport.
“Now, we’ve heard some reports in the last 24 hours saying that Crystal Palace are or advancing on Iraola. That’s not my understanding. It’s an open race and as it stands, no agreement between Iraola and Crystal Palace. Even though he’s kind of a dream choice for the Eagles.
“There would of course be other suitors, Iraola is prepared to stay in England.
“And out of respect to Bournemouth, he wants to finish the season and then make a decision as to what is next. And Chelsea are expected to be a genuine suitor.”
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The Chelsea owners need to loosen the reins
To land a manager of Andoni Iraola’s calibre, the Chelsea board must dismantle the restrictive head coach model that saw Enzo Maresca and Liam Rosenior marginalised.
At Bournemouth, Iraola thrived under a structure that supported his vision. For him to succeed in West London, the owners must relinquish control over recruitment, moving away from the blind accumulation of youth on seven-year contracts toward signing specific Iraola-profile players.
Crucially, they must also empower his medical and coaching staff to manage a squad currently plagued by the very downed tools mentality that his philosophy is designed to destroy.
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