BBC: Crystal Palace Eyeing ‘Best Young Coach in the World’ to Replace Glasner

Crystal Palace could already have identified a long-term successor to Oliver Glasner, with reports suggesting Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has emerged as a leading candidate following Glasner’s confirmation that he will depart at the end of the season.

The Eagles were riding high earlier in the campaign, enjoying what many regarded as the most successful spell in the club’s history.

By September, Palace had put together an extraordinary 20-game unbeaten run and added both the Community Shield and the FA Cup to their trophy cabinet, sparking optimism that the club had truly turned a corner.

That momentum, however, has gradually faded. A disappointing sequence of results — including just one home Premier League victory from a possible eight — has seen Palace slide into mid-table obscurity.

Coupled with the steady departure of key players, the downturn has ultimately led to Glasner’s decision to move on, opening the door for a new managerial era. Andoni Iraola is now being widely mentioned as the man who could step in.

Iraola’s Contract Situation Puts Palace on Alert

According to BBC Sport journalist Sami Mokbel, Iraola’s situation at Bournemouth is being closely monitored by Crystal Palace. The Cherries’ decision to sell star winger Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City earlier in the window is believed to have caused frustration, particularly given Bournemouth’s recent habit of cashing in on their most influential players.

That scenario mirrors the circumstances surrounding Glasner’s impending exit at Selhurst Park. The Austrian confirmed he would leave at the end of the campaign shortly after Marc Guehi’s move to Manchester City gathered pace. Palace had already lost Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze, while Jean-Philippe Mateta could yet follow, meaning Glasner has seen the core of his most successful side dismantled.

With Glasner set to depart in May, Mokbel’s report indicates that Palace are considering Iraola as a serious option to take the reins in south London.

One of Europe’s Brightest Young Coaches

Iraola’s reputation continues to grow rapidly. Sky Sports analyst Sam Tighe has previously described him to GIVEMESPORT as “the best young coach in the world,” a claim backed up by his work at Bournemouth. Last season, the Spaniard guided the Cherries to their highest-ever Premier League finish, while the current campaign began in impressive fashion.

At the end of October, Bournemouth briefly climbed to second place following a convincing 2-0 victory over Nottingham Forest, underlining the effectiveness of Iraola’s high-energy, progressive style.

Since then, however, results have tailed off dramatically. Bournemouth have managed just one league win in their last 13 matches, dropped points against all three newly promoted sides, and have now lost their standout performer in Semenyo.

With Iraola’s contract approaching its expiration, Palace are said to be “keeping abreast” of developments on the south coast, ready to act should the opportunity arise.

A Platform for Growth at Selhurst Park

There is a sense that Iraola may be encouraged to hold out for a move to a so-called bigger club than Palace. However, the Eagles’ recent history suggests Selhurst Park could offer him the freedom and backing to implement his own footballing vision.

Palace have previously thrived under managers willing to shape the club in their own image. Patrick Vieira enjoyed a strong debut Premier League season in 2021-22, while figures such as Ian Holloway played a crucial role in establishing Palace as a forward-thinking top-flight side. The club’s modern recruitment strategy and recent cup success further enhance its appeal.

Given those factors, Palace could represent an ideal next step for Iraola. With a talented squad, proven success in knockout competitions, and the chance to exert significant control, a move to south London may prove to be the perfect platform for the Spaniard to take his career to the next level — and potentially usher in another golden chapter for Crystal Palace.