While Chelsea still have five games to play this season, most fans will already have an eye on the summer. The biggest story surrounding the club is regarding their managerial situation. Calum McFarlane is going to remain in interim charge until the end of the campaign. But after that, a permanent appointment will need to be made.
That has seen quite a few managers being linked with Chelsea. Early suggestions are that they are giving priority to someone with Premier League or equivalent top-level experience.
Andoni Iraola is one name that has been doing the rounds quite frequently. He has been one of the standout managers in the Premier League over the past couple of seasons. On top of that, he is set to become a free agent in the summer. Bournemouth have already announced the Spaniard’s impending departure and the arrival of Marco Rose from next season.
On the other hand, Edin Terzic looks set to become the next Athletic Bilbao manager, closing that door for Iraola. So, everything might be working in Chelsea’s favour. Will they make a push? Well, if reports are accurate then they have started work on a potential move already.
Chelsea have made contact with Iraola’s camp
According to football.london, Chelsea have made initial contact with Iraola’s representatives. It was to find out more about the Spaniard’s plans in the summer. The conversation was not advanced and was to gather more information about his thinking at this moment.
So, just because contact has been made does not been that anything is close. That being said, it does show that there is a definite level of interest on the part of Chelsea.
Of course, that could be the case with other managers as well. At this moment, we can only wait and watch how things will unfold from here on forward.
Appointing Iraola would come with its fair share of risk
A lot of Chelsea fans might not be particularly impressed with the Iraola rumours. He is not considered an elite manager yet, which is what the Blues might need after a series of experimental appointments to underwhelming results.
That is not to say that it could not work out. But there will be an element of risk with Iraola. It has the potential to go wrong once again. And that is not something BlueCo can afford at this juncture.
This could very well be the most important decision that BlueCo have made since taking over at Chelsea. Let’s hope that they end up making the right one.
