Andoni Iraola is supposedly one of three front-runners to take over as Chelsea manager, and finally, the Spaniard has discussed his future after he leaves his post as Bournemouth manager.
Iraola has already confirmed he will be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season, with the former Rayo Vallecano gaffer set to be replaced by Marco Rose. The Cherries themselves have confirmed this.
Andoni Iraola hasn’t beaten Clearlake’s Chelsea 🚩
Andoni Iraola's record vs Chelsea
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
Since his move to the Premier League in the summer of 2023, Iraola has sparkled as Bournemouth boss and could well end his tenure by guiding Bournemouth into Europe. Possibly, the Champions League.
Certainly, Europe of some description is on the cards for the Cherries. A stunning job, and that has seen Iraola strongly linked with the Chelsea job, even if Xabi Alonso is now deemed the no.1 candidate.
Andoni Iraola responds to a question about his future
On Saturday, Iraola shared a touchline with Fulham manager Marco Silva. It saw two of Chelsea’s three main candidates do battle, with 10-man Fulham coming up short against Iraola’s side in West London.
Speaking after the match, Iraola – who almost joined Leeds United before taking over as Bournemouth manager – discussed his future. He told reporters in his post-match press conference that he’s in no rush.
Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
“I’m in no rush. I will not talk about my future. I’m fully focused on trying to finish this season with a reward, something tangible for the players and supporters,” Iraola said when asked what’s next.
“It was not an easy decision [to leave Bournemouth], but once it is made, you feel relief. Since that day, we’ve had great results but also the mood. Everyone is clear, the relationship is so clean and honest.
“Okay, this is going to happen: next season, Marco Rose will be our manager. Everyone knows what’s happening. We are in a good place and can use this in a positive way,” Iraola summarised.
The latest on Andoni Iraola’s future as Crystal Palace make move
It had originally been reported that while both Chelsea and Palace were showing interest in Iraola, the Spaniard felt Palace were beneath him. However, reports now suggest that Palace are leading the race.
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It emerged earlier this week that Iraola was closing in on a move to Palace, from a reporter in Spain. Nothing has yet been confirmed, and Iraola makes that clear in his comments regarding his future.
There is no agreement between Iraola and Palace, but Iraola is said to have some concerns about taking the Chelsea job this summer. Understandably, given the influence BlueCo have on their managers.
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