Crystal Palace Target Andoni Iraola as European Success Fuels Search for Glasner Successor
Crystal Palace is preparing for another significant transitional period this summer, with manager Oliver Glasner confirmed to be leaving the club at the conclusion of the current season. Despite the uncertainty regarding the dugout, the Eagles are currently enjoying a historic run on the continent.
The South London side has successfully reached the semi-finals of the UEFA Conference League following a disciplined 4-2 aggregate triumph over Italian side Fiorentina. Palace is now scheduled to face Shakhtar Donetsk, with the winner earning a trip to the prestigious final held in Leipzig.
Henderson Hails “Sensational” Achievement
Club captain Dean Henderson was full of praise for the team’s historic progress, labeling the accomplishment as “sensational” during a post-match interview. Reflecting on the club’s recent trajectory, including an impressive FA Cup run last year, Henderson emphasized the importance of this new milestone.
“This is unbelievable,” Henderson told TNT Sports. “Obviously for this football club it’s sensational really, when you think obviously about the FA Cup last year, and then to keep going, to write a new chapter in the book, it’s phenomenal. (The fans) have stuck by us in the difficult times this season, and hopefully we can go and deliver something really special.”
Regarding the pressure of the second leg, Henderson admitted that while holding a 3-0 lead was a “dangerous scoreline,” the squad’s mental fortitude carried them through. He noted that the ultimate objective is to secure the trophy, citing a deep sense of togetherness within the dressing room as they enter the “business end” of the season.
The Strategic Importance of the Conference League
Securing a victory in the Conference League final would be a game-changer for Crystal Palace’s recruitment strategy. Aside from the silverware, the winner earns an automatic spot in next season’s Europa League group phase. This guaranteed European football would make the Selhurst Park vacancy an incredibly enticing opportunity for elite managerial candidates.
On the subject of who might replace Glasner, David Ornstein of The Athletic recently provided an update during a fan Q&A session. Ornstein addressed rumors linking Bournemouth’s Andoni Iraola to the Palace post, confirming that the Eagles’ hierarchy is indeed very interested in the Spaniard.
Ornstein’s Insight into the Shortlist
“Palace are really keen on him and it would be fascinating to see him there — but no decisions yet,” Ornstein shared. He noted that while Palace is prioritizing Iraola, the manager is still evaluating his various options, and the club is keeping other candidates in mind.
Iraola’s stock has risen significantly since he arrived at the Vitality Stadium in 2023. He has managed to secure 45 wins in 121 matches, a record made more impressive by the fact that he consistently lost key personnel in various transfer windows. His tactical acumen has even earned the respect of Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who described his compatriot’s work as “unbelievable.”
However, Iraola is not the only name on the radar. Crystal Palace is also reportedly monitoring:
- Thomas Frank: The former Brentford and Tottenham manager remains a highly-regarded option.
- Frank Lampard: The current Coventry City boss is a strong contender, though the Eagles would face a challenge in luring him away from a Sky Blues side that is currently on the brink of promotion.
