Crystal Palace are currently eyeing a move for the former Premier League manager, who was hailed as “incredible” by former Manchester City manager Josep Guardiola.
Palace considering alternatives for Iraola after transfer to Liverpool
Palace were hoping to lure Andoni Iraola to a move to Selhurst Park after the former AFC Bournemouth manager led Cherries to their first-ever Europa League.
Proposals were made by Steve Parish and others to give the Spaniard “significant influence” in terms of reinforcements, but he is now close to a move to Liverpool.
As a result, the Eagles could be forced to move to a full complement of alternative options, with reports citing Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna, Lens’ Pierre Sage and former Tottenham Hotspur manager Thomas Frank as potential candidates.
Crystal Palace manager’s goals | preferred formation | career win rate |
Kieran McKenna | 4-2-3-1 | 50% |
Pierre Sarge | 3-4-2-1 | 64% |
thomas frank | 4-3-3 | 44% |
It makes sense to go after McKenna and Frank. This is because both managers have experience in English football. On the other hand, coach Sage’s stock is high after leading Lens to runner-up in Ligue 1 and winning the French Cup.
However, Palace also have another former Premier League manager in their sights.
Crystal Palace eye on ‘incredible’ manager signing
According to reporter Alan Nixon (via Goodison News), Crystal Palace are currently eyeing a move for Sean Dyche, with the former Nottingham Forest man considered a Plan B option in case they miss out on Iraola.
Frank Lampard is also being considered, but the Coventry City manager would need to pay £5m to break free from his contract, while Dyche has been unemployed since being sacked as Forest manager in February.
The Englishman only played for 114 days at the City Ground but was praised by Guardiola for his work at Everton, with the City legend saying: “Sean Dyche did a great job. I’ll never forget Sean taking over a difficult position in that moment and avoiding relegation.”
The 54-year-old is also experienced in the Premier League, having won 99 top-flight games with Burnley, Everton and Forest.
However, Dyche, who has mostly managed teams at risk of relegation, averages just 1.12 points per game in the Premier League, and may not be the man to help Palace rise to the top after qualifying for Europe for the second year in a row.
Sage will undoubtedly be the more exciting successor to Oliver Glasner, thanks to winning the French Cup in his first season with Reims.
Read next: Who could Oliver Glassner manage after Crystal Palace?
Oliver Glasner set to take up new job at elite club after leaving Crystal Palace
The Austrian manager leaves the club as the most successful manager in the team’s history.
