Crystal Palace are set to hold talks with AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola, who is now open to replacing Oliver Glasner this summer.
Palace putting together strong run as season approaches climax
Palace are starting to hit their stride as we enter the business end of the season, following up a 3-0 thrashing of Fiorentina in the first leg of the Europa Conference League with a 2-1 victory against Newcastle United in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Eagles had to do it the hard way, going 1-0 down when William Osula bagged for the Magpies on the stroke of half-time, but a late brace from Jean-Philippe Mateta turned the game on its head, with the Frenchman bagging a stoppage-time winner from the penalty spot.
Glasner was delighted with the reaction Mateta received from the supporters, saying: “It is what he deserves. He has done so much for Palace and this group. As we know in life, you sometimes have tough moments. It’s about supporting each other and that’s what we did with JP.
“He also worked so hard to get back to fitness. He always said as soon as it was clear he had to stay at the club that it was OK and he will work hard to help team win matches and to get to our objectives. That’s why he deserves this love from the fans.”
Crystal Palace's Jean-Philippe Mateta
Should the centre-forward continue his current form, Glasner's side could be in for an exciting end to the season, but work is going on in the background, with Steve Parish & co looking to bring in a replacement for the Austrian.
Iraola's stance on becoming Crystal Palace manager
Earlier this month, it was suggested Iraola had snubbed a move to Selhurst Park, but there has now been a fresh twist, with reporter Alan Nixon stating the Spaniard is now open to replacing Glasner (via Read Crystal Palace).
The 43-year-old has been making waves in the Premier League, and has done enough to impress Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, who said: "Andoni is an incredible, well-respected manager in Spain and did an incredible job in Rayo Vallecano.
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Palace have a key advantage in the race.
"[Bournemouth are] playing offensive and attractive football. What I see is an alive team. It’s a team with good sprit, not set back, and of course the result gives confidence and when you don’t have it, you can’t produce that."
The Bournemouth manager, who prefers to use a 4-2-3-1 formation, has guided his side to 11th in the Premier League table, courtesy of a 2-1 victory against Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last time out, and he is now set to hold talks about a summer move to Selhurst Park.