Andoni Iraola remains in talks with Crystal Palace as Steve Parish attempts to pull off this ambitious appointment.
The Spaniard has made a name for himself as one of the most talented coaches in England since arriving at Bournemouth back in June 2023.
The Cherries are currently on a 16-game unbeaten run under Iraola, and are on track to finish sixth in the Premier League this season. They could even secure UEFA Champions League football if Aston Villa squander fifth place in the final weeks of the season.
As Parish remains in discussions with the 43-year-old over a potential move to south London, let us take a look at what he has previously said about Selhurst Park and some Crystal Palace players.
Who do YOU want as the next Crystal Palace boss? 🤔
Andoni Iraola has labelled Selhurst Park “difficult” and admires four Crystal Palace stars
After a 0-0 draw between Crystal Palace and Bournemouth at Selhurst Park in April 2025, Iraola said: “It feels like a missed opportunity. It is two points that would be lovely for us in our situation.
“It is a point that before the game, probably is not a bad point. Coming here, it is a difficult place, a difficult stadium.”
Iraola has never actually suffered a defeat against Crystal Palace in six games, winning three and drawing three – keeping clean sheets in five of those games.
The thrilling 3-3 draw at Selhurst Park back in October was the only match in which his side have conceded to the Eagles.
After that game, Iraola highlighted the talents of Jean-Philippe Mateta, Ismaila Sarr and Eddie Nketiah as pivotal in Crystal Palace fighting back to earn a point.
The man born in Usurbil said: “They were losing. They had to be braver, more aggressive. The long balls with Mateta, he was touching everything. Obviously with Ismaila Sarr, Eddie Nketiah, fast players in behind. They were punishing us.”
Before that 3-3 draw, Iraola singled Yeremy Pino out for praise too, saying: “I think he has been performing already really well consistently. He’s not just a young player starting now. No, he has been giving a high level in Spain for the last years playing for the national team, playing in Europe.
“It’s not a big surprise, you know, he has been very good, I think, for Palace also the games he’s played. I don’t think it’s a big gamble (the £26m fee) you know, it’s like a proven player already, even if he’s still very young.”
Who should we be looking to keep around? 📝
There is evidently quite a lot about Crystal Palace that Iraola admires, so it should come as no surprise to hear that he is genuinely considering the opportunity to replace Oliver Glasner.
