- AC Milan enter Iraola race
- Competition heating up as Premier League season ends
- Palace facing stiff competition for number one target
Crystal Palace have been dealt a blow in their attempts to secure Andoni Iraola as their next manager. Italian giants AC Milan have reportedly entered the race for Iraola’s services next season. The competition for the Spaniard’s signature is heating up rapidly, as Palace continue their search for the next manager.
Alex Crook has reported that Milan have shown interest in Iraola after they sacked manager Massimiliano Allegri following a disappointing campaign in Serie A.
Bayer Leverkusen remain interested too, as they also switch things up in the dugout this Summer.
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Milan’s interest could cause complications
Whilst Iraola has previously shown interest in living in London, the appeal of a club such as Milan is going to be difficult to turn down.
Palace were always going to face tough competition to land their number one target. Iraola led Bournemouth to a historic Premier League campaign, qualifying for the Europa League, confirming their first ever European season in the club’s history.
Competing with a relatively small budget and having lost a handful of key players last Summer, the work done by Iraola has been second to none.
Whilst Milan have had disappointing seasons as of late, their stature as one of the most dominant clubs in European history will certainly have some pulling power.
Leverkusen won the Bundesliga just last year, and the project there will also be appealing.
Palace’s Europa Conference League final will undoubtedly play a key role in their next managerial appointment. If Oliver Glasner is able to orchestrate a European final win, Palace will have Europa League football to offer the incoming manager.
Palace’s options must remain open
Whilst ambition must lead Palace’s decision making, there also has to be a sense of realism to their search for Glasner’s replacement.
Pierre Sage is another name that has been heavily linked with the upcoming vacancy at Selhurst Park. The current RC Lens manager went toe to toe with Paris Saint Germain for the Ligue 1 title, but fell short at the last.
However, he did manage to guide his side to a historic Coupe de France win, beating Nice 3-1. It was the club’s first ever Coupe de France.
By no means should Sage be seen as a second choice. He is an excellent manager who would be a brilliant acquisition for Palace. Whilst Iraola is established in the Premier League, Sage would also be a great option, and an exciting one at that.
