Finding the right manager has to be top of the priority list for Chelsea right now. Yes, the club do need to add some quality to their squad this summer. This one has shown that they are not good or consistent enough to meet the expectations at Stamford Bridge. That being said, all of it will fall apart if the Blues do not have the right head coach in place.
Of course, there are question marks over whether any manager can succeed consistently while working under the BlueCo model. Graham Potter and Liam Rosenior failed badly. Mauricio Pochettino parted ways after just one season, even though his team had started that campaign strongly, arguably the most consistent run of form Chelsea have had in years. And it has emerged that Enzo Maresca chose to walk away earlier this year.
Even BlueCo have to recognise that there is an issue with their structure. It remains to be seen if they will make the right adjustments or not.
Most fans would love to see a world-class manager arrive. But it looks like Chelsea are going to stick to chasing potential rather than proven quality.
Andoni Iraola gives green light to Chelsea?
According to CaughtOffside, Andoni Iraola is the frontrunner for the Stamford Bridge job. He is firmly at the top of the wishlist. And reports suggest he’s already given the Chelsea project the green light.
If that is accurate, then it might only be a matter of time before Iraola is hired as the new Chelsea manager.
It has already been confirmed that Iraola will be leaving Bournemouth as a free agent at the end of the season. Marco Rose will replace him. And the Spaniard will pick his next destination in due time.
Issues with Iraola’s football
Of course, Iraola is highly regarded for the job that he has done with Bournemouth. Despite seeing one key player after another leave for teams like Man City, Liverpool, Real Madrid and PSG, he has kept them competitive and currently, they sit above Chelsea in the Premier League table. That does not mean there won’t be any concerns if the Blues do end up appointing him.
Firstly, one has to question whether it is the brilliance of Iraola or Bournemouth that has kept them in this position. Do not forget, Potter was highly regarded for the job he did at Brighton as well. But the Seagulls have maintained their position since his departure while the English manager has failed.
Secondly, Iraola’s style of football might not fit this Chelsea squad. How much of a rebuild are BlueCo capable of doing this summer in their current financial condition?
Chelsea’s biggest successes in recent times came while playing possession-based football under Maresca. On the other hand, Iraola plays a high-intensity, pressing game, and his Bournemouth team has conceded more goals than anybody else in the top 16 of the Premier League table. On paper, that does not feel like a good fit.
