Andoni Iraola looks set to be one of the most in-demand managers this summer. He is going to be available as a free agent, as his Bournemouth exit has already been announced. Marco Rose will be replacing him there. As for where the Spaniard will be heading, that is not known yet. Chelsea are the club to be linked with him most consistently. But Manchester United have been suggested as a destination as well.
Iraola has done a tremendous job at Bournemouth. Most had tipped them for relegation this season after the kind of players they lost this summer. But the Spaniard has continued to get results and they are in the mix to qualify for Europe, exceeding all odds and expectations.
So, it is not hard to see why Chelsea might be interested in him. Despite spending north of a billion on their squad and changing two managers this season, they are behind Iraola’s Bournemouth in the table.
Of course, clubs from other leagues have been linked with Iraola as well. So, will he continue in the Premier League or head back to Spain or take up a new challenge in a different top five league across Europe?
Fabrizio Romano drops Andoni Iraola update amid Chelsea, Man Utd links
Fabrizio Romano has clarified the situation on Iraola. And it looks like the Spaniard dreams of continuing in the Premier League, despite all the rumours of a return to Spain. The Italian journalist said on his YouTube channel in a late-night update:
“My understanding, guys is that the name of Andoni Iraola is constantly linked with English clubs. Why? Because Andoni Iraola would love to continue in the Premier League and Iraola would love to have the possibility to coach a top club in England. And so Iraola has this dream of continuing in Premier League and in England at the highest level possible. And so this is why he’s linked to Manchester United, he’s linked to Chelsea.
“But my understanding is at the moment with Chelsea still nothing advanced or decided. I know you had reports of Iraola going to Chelsea for several days but my understanding is that there is still nothing decided on this.”
So, that does make it easier for a club like Chelsea to bring in Iraola. Of course, Manchester United have been linked with him as well. But it is a lot more likely that Michael Carrick will be handed the Old Trafford job after he secures Champions League qualification.
Pros and cons of appointing Iraola
There is a genuine chance that Iraola can be the next Chelsea manager. The other two leading candidates for the job are believed to be Xabi Alonso and Marco Silva.
Interestingly, Chelsea do not seem to have a specific style of football in mind. But their style of football might not suit the one Iraola has so successfully played at Bournemouth.
Iraola’s football is based on high intensity, constant pressing and fast attacks. On the other hand, Chelsea have found their most success while playing a possession-based game. Liam Rosenior tried to change the way the team pressed and the results are in front of us.
Once again, Iraola is someone who has exceeded expectations and delivered beyond what anybody could have demanded this season. That being said, let’s not forget that the Bournemouth structure has played its part.
Could this be another Graham Potter-Brighton situation? The manager struggled after leaving the club, as Chelsea fans will know first-hand. On the other hand, the club have continued to enjoy the same kind of success year after year.
