While Xabi Alonso might be the highest name on Chelsea’s shortlist, Andoni Iraola is certainly a close second. But there are growing concerns surrounding Iraola’s eligibility for the Chelsea job.
As things stand, if Chelsea could hire a new manager right now, reports suggest they would pick Alonso. But there are murmurs that Alonso is waiting for the Liverpool job amid speculation around Arne Slot.
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
While Liverpool are sticking with Slot, there are some who claim that Alonso may simply wait for the Reds job to become available. If Chelsea fail to bring Alonso to the club, then it is likely they go after Iraola.
But Iraola is not the ideal candidate, either. There are doubts surfacing over whether Iraola, who shares an agent with Alonso, is able to manage a club like Chelsea, and David Ornstein has brought that to light.
David Ornstein shares concerns surrounding Andoni Iraola
Ornstein was speaking to The Athletic’s latest podcast and explained that Iraola actually had an interview for the Tottenham job before Thomas Frank was hired. But, Spurs chose to bring in Frank from Brentford.
Obviously, a move that backfired, but there were reservations around the match. Whether they came from Spurs or Iraola is unclear, but there is a feeling that his style of play piles the pressure on his shoulders.
“He spoke to Tottenham. I think it was before Thomas Frank was appointed. He was interviewed. I don’t know if this was a specific concern of Tottenham or whether it he didn’t want to go to Tottenham.
Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth
Photo by Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images
“We don’t know the ins and outs of it. But a lot of people in the industry said, ‘you know, it’s all well and good him playing his counter-attacking style and throwing everybody forward at Bournemouth’.
“If it works, amazing. If it doesn’t, you concede a goal and nobody cares that much. Go to one of these clubs, and you’ll be absolutely slaughtered if you get caught on the counter-attack,” Ornstein claimed.
“Or if you go seven games on without a victory, and if you have a slow start to your reign. And so my only reservation, and it’s not the fault of Andoni Raiola, is if he steps up from Bournemouth to Chelsea.
“I’m sure he will be able to implement a tactical approach, his ideas, his philosophy, his style of football. But how long does it take? How patient will the supporters, hierarchy, media be if it doesn’t start well?”
What Andoni Iraola has said about his future after Bournemouth
Iraola has enjoyed three wonderful years at Bournemouth, and it could result in the Spaniard finishing in the Champions League places, with sixth position potentially a Champions League spot this season.
CHELSEA PLAYER OF THE SEASON – FINAL!
Obviously, they will need to rely on Aston Villa finishing in fifth and winning the Europa League title. But Iraola has confirmed he is leaving, so what has he said on his future? He kept his cards close to his chest.
“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.
Of course, Alonso remains the favourite while Iraola is second choice. But they are not the only managers interesting Chelsea, with Marco Silva, Oliver Glasner, Cesc Fabregas and Filipe Luis also on the radar.
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