Crystal Palace are still celebrating one of the biggest nights in the club’s history after their Conference League final victory over Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night, but attention is already turning towards a huge decision off the pitch.
Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner during the press conference
The Eagles lifted their first ever piece of European silverware after a dramatic final win, capping off an emotional season and giving supporters another unforgettable moment following their FA Cup and Community Shield success in 2025.
It was a result that also strengthened the feeling around Selhurst Park that the club have continued to move forward over the last two years, despite inconsistency in the Premier League.
However, uncertainty over the managerial position remains a major talking point heading into the summer.
Oliver Glasner will wave goodbye to the club after the perfect send off in Leipzig, meaning Palace are continuing to assess potential replacements ahead of what could be another important rebuild.
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The Eagles could be about to wave goodbye.
Among the names linked most heavily with the role has been Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard has attracted admiration across Europe after guiding Bournemouth to an impressive campaign.
Bournemouth finished sixth in the Premier League and played some of the division’s most aggressive and entertaining football under Iraola, significantly raising his reputation over the past 12 months.
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That form has naturally led to interest from several clubs, including AC Milan and Crystal Palace, with the former believed to have opened talks to rival Steve Parish's interest.
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However, according to comments made by Sky Sports during a live broadcast, neither situation currently appears close to progressing.
“We have just been told those [AC Milan] talks are not really progressing," said Sky this morning.
"Does that give Crystal Palace some hope that Andoni Iraola might go to Selhurst Park?
“Well, we're told, no, he seems no more likely to join Crystal Palace either.
“So talks with AC Milan not progressing, but that means nothing in terms of the Crystal Palace situation.
“We are told that he really doesn't want to leave Bournemouth who are sixth, to go to Crystal Palace are 15th, despite winning that trophy last night.”
On one hand, the collapse of momentum in Milan’s pursuit could have opened the door for another club to move into a stronger position.
But the suggestion from Sky is that Iraola’s reluctance to join Palace remains unchanged regardless of developments elsewhere.
Winning the Conference League has given the club another major achievement and strengthened their growing profile across Europe. But their league campaign was far less convincing, with Palace spending much of the season in the lower half.
That contrast may partly explain why convincing a manager already succeeding elsewhere could prove difficult.
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Still, Palace are expected to continue exploring multiple options before making a final decision, with ex-Flamengo boss Filipe Luis among the alternatives spoken to.
Iraola remains admired internally because of his attacking style, coaching reputation and ability to improve players, even if a move currently looks unlikely.
The situation could also still change quickly.
Managerial markets often shift rapidly once clubs formally begin negotiations, and Palace know they are approaching a crucial appointment ahead of another season involving European football.
For now, though, the message coming out of Sky Sports is clear: despite Palace’s European triumph and AC Milan’s stalled discussions, Iraola does not appear any closer to joining.
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The Eagles have expressed an interest.