Chelsea could have an advantage over Manchester United in the race to appoint Andoni Iraola as new manager this summer. The Blues have been linked with the Bournemouth manager as a potential new head coach, with his appointment widely expected to be confirmed this summer. Iraola has already confirmed that he will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires at the end of the season, and there has been considerable speculation about his future departure.
Chelsea are also in the market for a new manager following the departure of manager Liam Rosenior last week, with Callum MacFarlane set to take over as interim manager until the end of the season. United are similarly expected to bring in a new permanent manager in the coming weeks and months, with Michael Carrick remaining in the running for the full-time role after serving as caretaker manager since January.
Iraola has been linked with both Chelsea and United in recent months, and the new reports could give the Blues a big boost if they choose to pursue his signature.
According to the Telegraph, Iraola is “attracted” by the idea of taking a job in London, which could be a significant advantage if Chelsea decide to make a move.
The report also states that Crystal Palace are keen to appoint Iraola as their next manager, with Oliver Glasner widely expected to leave Selhurst Park near the end of the season.
Iraola recently spoke about his choice to leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, admitting he is yet to decide on his next move.
“This decision was not about other clubs, no other clubs were involved. It was a question of either to continue here or not to continue here,” he said.
“I don’t know what I want to do next season. I don’t know if I’m going to coach a team or a club. I don’t know if I’m going to coach an international team.
“I don’t know if I’m going to coach on this continent. I don’t know what’s going to happen. Believe it or not, this is the truth. And I’m in no rush to find out.”
“It’s a big decision for me. I want to focus on what we have at this moment. The next six games are very important for us. We will have time to think.”
