The Sports Buff ⚽️ ⚾️ 🏈

As per the Sun and Joe, it appears that outgoing Bournemouth manager has decided his next managerial destination and no, it’s not Atletico Bilbao.

If the original report from El Chiringuito is to be believed, then the current FA Cup winners will secure the services of the highly rated Basque manager from under the noses of high-profile rivals Manchester United and Chelsea.

When it comes to United, it appears that they’re going to appoint Carrick as the club’s new manager. As for Chelsea, well, it appears they go for the newest managerial skirt on the scene.

Do you remember AVB and how that ended up? So, for now, this report, although not confirmed, in my humble opinion, has some legs. Why? Well, Andoni Iraola thrives on working with teams that are going through a project.

Bournemouth is a prime example of this. Under Gary O’Neil, The Cherries were a good side, but under the right tutelage and guidance (Iraola’s tutelage and guidance), the South Coast club are pushing towards Europe.

Although the South London side, Crystal Palace, have had Oliver Glasner at the wheel, they need someone to take the reins after he confirmed in the middle of the season that he will be leaving at the end of the current season.

Marcelino has been mentioned as a potential candidate, but what sets Iraola apart, however, is that for the past two seasons, he has worked in the Premier League with a squad that has moving parts, shall we say.

The former Rayo Vallecano boss, Iraola, has not let it deter him; in fact, Bournemouth, despite the transfers that have happened, are arguably stronger at the moment.

At Crystal Palace, Iraola won’t have huge pressure from the off. Yes, he will have pressure, but not the same level of pressure if he were at Chelsea and Man United. He’s a well-versed individual; one can clearly see he’s got a good footballing mind.

At The Eagles, he can be given time to implement his ideas. Although Glasner fell out with the Palace board, it appears they’re not half as bad as the Chelsea and Manchester United. Have you seen the rate at which knots go through their managers?

With Palace, he will have the chance to build up talent, too. At both Man U and Chelsea, an immediate impact is needed; with the South London side, there’s more time.

Players can be developed; Michael Olise and Eberechi Eze were developed and sold. This is right up Andoni Iraola’s street, as this is what he became accustomed to whilst at Bournemouth.

So, there you have it, that’s my opinion, but what’s yours? Do let me know in the comments.