Andoni Iraola is close to deciding on his next club after leaving Bournemouth, and Crystal Palace are on par with Europe’s top clubs after Oliver Glasner’s departure
Andoni Iraola has been in the spotlight this summer (Image: Robin Jones/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
Manager Andoni Iraola will decide between Crystal Palace and Bayer Leverkusen after a period of intense negotiations. The Spanish manager is in high demand after his impressive spell at Bournemouth and the deadline for a call-up is fast approaching.
Iraola announced in April that he would be leaving Bournemouth at the end of the season. He went on an 18-game unbeaten run, leading the Cherries to sixth place and winning the Europa League.
Palace immediately moved to sign Iraola, offering him to succeed Oliver Glasner in south London. The Eagles hope Iraola will remain in the Premier League this summer, with Glasner stepping down after leading Palace to the Conference League title.
However, Leverkusen has also emerged as a likely candidate for his achievements. The German team has been through a tumultuous period, with Erik ten Hag replacing Xabi Alonso in charge after just three games before Kasper Urmand took over and led them to sixth place in the Bundesliga.
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Hjormand will remain in charge for now, but talkSPORT reports that Iraola is in “high-level negotiations” to replace him. BBC Sport reported that Palace were hoping to hear back from the 43-year-old by the end of this week, but Fabrizio Romano said it was a “priority” for Iraola to remain in the Premier League.
Palace and Leverkusen, like Bournemouth, will also be playing in the Europa League next season, meaning they are on a level playing field. Iraola held a two-hour meeting with Marco Rose earlier this week and his answer when asked about his successor at Bournemouth in April could provide a clue as to his next move.
“Gladbach, coached by Marco Rose, was one of my favorite teams,” Iraola said. “I really like German football because as a spectator, I love it when something happens.
“It’s not like you attack for two minutes and then it’s my turn. Everyone on the pitch attacks and defends, so each player has to play more and more roles. I like football where the players do everything.”
Andoni Iraola has a choice (Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
However, in an interview with Match of the Day after the final game of the season, Iraola said: “We don’t know where we are going. I think it’s time to take our time and make a decision. Obviously it won’t take long because the team has to sign a manager. Now is the moment to make a decision.”
When asked who is the hardest thing to say goodbye to, Iraola said, “The people. I see these people every day. Every day has been so much fun. I’ve had so much fun, but it’s not easy.”
“If you go to work with a smile, even in those moments when the results are not so good, it is rather a challenge. The atmosphere at the club is very positive. The club is growing. Right now we are achieving incredible results. It is always good to work in such an environment.”
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