Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has already decided he’s leaving the club at the end of his contract this summer, but now he has to decide between Manchester United and Chelsea.
The Spanish tactician has done an impressive job during his stint in charge of the Cherries, who already have an agreement in place for Marco Rose to replace him next season.
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Iraola, meanwhile, is yet to make a final decision on his next move, but sources in the industry have confirmed to CaughtOffside that he’s a leading candidate for the Chelsea job, and that initial contacts with his representatives have taken place.
Man United are also likely to be in the mix, but here are some key factors to think about as we wait and see how this saga will unfold…
Michael Carrick’s future
As of this afternoon, there has not yet been a final decision from Man Utd on whether or not Michael Carrick will stay on at Old Trafford once his spell as interim manager comes to an end.
One well-connected source with ties to the agents industry told CaughtOffside that “Carrick is the favourite. But it’s not done yet, United will wait until the end of the season.”
Another played down talk of Carrick being the favourite, insisting that “the availability of someone like Iraola changes everything. They don’t want another Solskjaer.”
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Overall it’s a slightly mixed message, and the complicated factor for United here is that Chelsea have a head-start on them. The Blues need to start their manager search now, and have been sounding out numerous candidates, though Iraola is ahead of names like Xabi Alonso, Oliver Glasner, and Francesco Farioli on their list.
This could mean by the time United have decided, Iraola will already have something advanced with Chelsea. That’s not the case at the moment, however, with sources indicating he’s in no hurry to accept an offer now. This gives the Red Devils time, and likely a chance to speak with him after the end of the season.
Champions League football
It looks like United are heading for Champions League qualification, whereas Chelsea could miss out after their recent slump in form.
It is our understanding, however, that this will not be seen as crucial for Iraola. We’ll have to see how this develops, however, as it certainly does no harm to be able to offer experience in Europe’s top club competition, and all the benefits in the transfer market that are also likely to come with that.
Iraola’s current fine work at Bournemouth looks set to see them qualify for Europe, so it would be a bit of a step down for him if he were to take over at Stamford Bridge when they might even end this season below Iraola’s side in the table.
Chelsea uncertainty
Perhaps the most important factor here will be how much of a pull factor Chelsea still have after such a chaotic period under this ownership.
Managers like Iraola and Alonso will surely be aware that they’re going to have other offers, so might think twice about working with this board and with this slightly scattergun recruitment policy.
Iraola is not understood to be ruling CFC out, so perhaps the club can win him over to their project, but it probably won’t help their cause that MUFC look to be a more stable environment whilst being on more of an upward trajectory as things stand.
One source described the Chelsea job as a “career killer” – it’s increasingly hard not to see it that way, but the big question will be how much managers like Iraola share that view, or if they back themselves to take on that challenge.
The post Explained: Andoni Iraola is the top target for both Man United & Chelsea – here’s how he’ll decide appeared first on CaughtOffside.