Crystal Palace’s historic week, which saw them lift their first-ever piece of European silverware, has been tempered by the ongoing uncertainty surrounding their managerial position. Following Oliver Glasner’s impending departure, the Eagles are actively seeking a new head coach, with Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola emerging as a primary target.

Palace celebrated a significant triumph on Wednesday night, securing the Conference League title against Rayo Vallecano. This European success adds to an impressive haul that includes the FA Cup and Community Shield in 2025. However, their Premier League campaign told a different story, with the club spending much of the season in the lower half of the table before ultimately finishing 15th.

Iraola’s rising stock

Andoni Iraola, currently at the helm of Bournemouth, has garnered significant attention after guiding his side to an impressive sixth-place finish in the Premier League. His tenure has been marked by an attacking style of play, a strong coaching reputation, and a proven ability to improve players – qualities that have earned him internal admiration at Selhurst Park.

The Spaniard’s success has not gone unnoticed beyond England’s borders, with Italian giants AC Milan also reportedly keen on securing his services. However, the pursuit from Italy appears to be stalling. Sky Sports reported on Wednesday that talks between AC Milan and Iraola were not progressing as initially hoped.

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“We have just been told those [AC Milan] talks are not really progressing,” a Sky Sports broadcast stated, leading to speculation about Crystal Palace’s chances. Yet, the same report quickly dampened those hopes regarding a move to Selhurst Park. “We are told that he really doesn’t want to leave Bournemouth who are sixth, to go to Crystal Palace are 15th, despite winning that trophy last night,” the broadcaster added, highlighting Iraola’s reluctance to move down the Premier League table.

Palace consider alternatives

Despite their recent trophy success, the significant gap in Premier League standings between Bournemouth and Crystal Palace presents a clear hurdle in attracting Iraola. This reluctance means Palace are exploring other options for their next manager, with former Flamengo boss Filipe Luis among the alternatives reportedly spoken to by the club.

As the managerial merry-go-round continues, Crystal Palace finds itself in a complex situation. While their recent silverware provides a new sheen, the challenge of securing a top-tier manager like Iraola, especially from a club that outperformed them domestically, remains a significant task.

Sources: x.com/SkySportsNews

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