What Crystal Palace expect to happen with Andoni Iraola amid Chelsea manager battle
Crystal Palace have identified Andoni Iraola as their primary candidate to lead the club, yet there is a growing, anxious realisation at Selhurst Park amid a battle with Chelsea.
The managerial landscape at both Chelsea and Crystal Palace is currently chaotic.
Chelsea have begun their search for a permanent successor following the sacking of Liam Rosenior, changing their approach to a proven manager with Premier League experience.
Outside of the Andoni Iraola links, the Blues’ shortlist includes high-profile names such as Xavi, Francesco Farioli, and Xabi Alonso.
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace are preparing for life after Oliver Glasner, who confirmed his departure months ago to seek a new challenge, with Andoni Iraola emerging as a primary target for both clubs.
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Crystal Palace expect Andoni Iraola to reject them
According to Sky Sports reporter James Savundra, Crystal Palace have a shortlist of six to succeed Oliver Glasner, with the Austrian refusing to change his mind, regardless of their Conference League fate.
It is believed that Andoni Iraola is the preferred candidate, but Palace expects him to go elsewhere.
Marco Silva, former Blues midfielder Frank Lampard and Kieran McKenna are admired but not likely appointments at Selhurst Park.
Both Lampard and Silva have both been linked with the job at Chelsea, though the former is unlikely.
Pros and cons of hiring Andoni Iraola?
He could replace Liam Rosenior at Chelsea this summer!
Chelsea are currently a step down from Bournemouth
Right now, the narrative that Chelsea represents a step back compared to Bournemouth is the harsh reality of the 2025/26 Premier League table.
Chelsea holds a more storied history, but Bournemouth sits sixth, firmly in the hunt for European football, while the Blues languish in ninth, facing a campaign devoid of European competition unless the Blues can get the better of Manchester City in the FA Cup final.
For a manager like Andoni Iraola, joining Chelsea would mean inheriting a squad in crisis and a volatile boardroom. A stark difference to what he has built on the South Coast.
However, Iraola does have the backing of Jamie Carragher to become Chelsea’s new manager.
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