News Focus
- Andoni Iraola is close to agreeing a deal with Crystal Palace.
- Both Manchester United and Chelsea wanted the Basque manager.
- The coach will leave AFC Bournemouth at the end of the season.
- He rejected Athletic Club after they appointed Edin Terzic.
- The Eagles offer more stability than their London rivals.
Andoni Iraola looks set to join Crystal Palace. This news comes as a blow to Manchester United and Chelsea. Both clubs wanted the Spanish coach.
The AFC Bournemouth manager announced last month that he would leave the Cherries. Since then, many top European clubs have chased his signature.
Spanish media report that Iraola prefers the project at Selhurst Park. The Premier League side can offer him a stable platform. This is something he cannot find at Stamford Bridge right now.
Chelsea have changed managers three times this season. They currently sit ninth in the table. The club risks missing European football next year. Enzo Maresca left earlier this year. Liam Rosenior followed him out of the door last month. Now Calum McFarlane looks after the team until the summer.
Manchester United also use an interim boss. Michael Carrick has done well at Old Trafford. He has guided the team back to the Champions League. However, the club still searches for a permanent manager.
Athletic Club also showed interest in Iraola. They needed a new coach after Ernesto Valverde departed. Instead, the Spanish club hired former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic this week.
Now it seems Crystal Palace will win the race. The South London club offers a clear long-term plan. This appeals more to Iraola than the high-pressure jobs at bigger clubs.