Crystal Palace can forget Iraola by hiring an “outstanding” 4-2-3-1 manager
Crystal Palace are back on track under Oliver Glasner and the Austrian could get a fitting farewell if his side reach the Europa Conference League final at the end of the season.
It could represent the final moment of history from a manager who has cemented his legacy as the best Crystal Palace have ever had. And that makes his replacement even more difficult.
Meanwhile, a number of names have threatened to steal the headlines – some that Palace fans might be up for and others that could be dream arrivals.
Andoni Iraola falls squarely into the latter category, but his inbox will no doubt be full of offers when he leaves Bournemouth this summer.
Why Crystal Palace might miss out on Iraola
In an ideal world, Crystal Palace approach Iraola and develop Glasner, let alone replace him. In reality, however, their calls for the Spaniard may have been drowned out by the bigger fish following his impressive career at Bournemouth.
While unlikely, hope isn’t lost for Palace until Iraola lands elsewhere, but it’s no surprise he’s a wanted man.
The Spaniard is one of the few managers left in the Premier League who puts fun ahead of pragmatism. That’s why Bournemouth shocked Arsenal, outclassing them in the process, and why stars like Antoine Semenyo have the platform to land big moves.
Crystal Palace already have the basics in place for Iraola’s 4-2-3-1 formation, too. Players like Ismaila Sarr and Jorgen Strand Larsen could be his new Semenyo and Evanilson – taking the Eagles to another level.
Glasner development: Crystal Palace to hold talks with “Pochettino clone”
Crystal Palace are preparing for the departure of Oliver Glasner at the end of the season.
Alas, it is likely to be a dream that will remain, forcing those at Selhurst Park to look to another wonderful manager full of Premier League experience.
An alternative to the Crystal Palace of Iraola
It’s very easy to think of Tottenham Hotspur’s place in the relegation zone when Thomas Frank’s name comes up. It was a disaster for the 4-2-3-1 manager, who failed to translate his Brentford success to one of England’s biggest clubs.
But his success at Brentford – a mid-table club that is shooting above expectations – should not be forgotten by Crystal Palace. He proved himself to be an “outstanding” coach with the Bees, in the words of Troy Deeney.
The Eagles are not Tottenham, thank you. There is no expectation of ownership or control at Selhurst Park, but there should be an expectation of enjoyment.
Frank couldn’t provide that for the Spurs. His team were not ready to deliver the attacking football that he brings every week to Brentford. Quite simply, sides cannot resist when they are the dominant side in most of their games. When Frank couldn’t adapt, it wouldn’t work.
Described as “one of the best” by Pep Guardiola, the vacant role at Palace gives Frank the opportunity to erase his Tottenham history and give the South London club the same success he enjoyed in West London.
Like Iraola, Frank has also built a reputation for turning attacking stars into big-money players destined for big clubs. During his time at Brentford, Ivan Toney, Bryan Mbeumo, Yoane Wissa and Ollie Watkins were all sold at huge profits, before Brentford seemed to change their talisman regularly.
It must be music to the ears of Steve Parish, who had more than one disagreement with Glasner about selling players during the Austrian reign. In Frank, you will have a manager who is ready to sell to get a profit without falling rates and without complaints.
Glasner has discovered the new Crystal Palace version of Olise
Crystal Palace have developed a host of potential stars with Oliver Glasner in charge.
