Crystal Palace are still celebrating one of the biggest nights in the club’s history after their final Conference League win against Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday night, but attention has already turned to a major decision off the pitch.
The Eagles clinched their first-ever European silver medal after a dramatic final victory, capping an emotional season and giving supporters another unforgettable moment following their FA Cup and Community Shield success in 2025.
The result also reinforced the feeling around Selhurst Park that the club had continued to make progress over the past two years, despite uncertainty in the Premier League.
However, uncertainty surrounding management positions remains a hot topic heading into the summer.
Oliver Glasner will bid farewell to the club after his perfect exit at Leipzig, meaning Palace continue to consider potential replacements ahead of another significant rebuild.
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The Eagles may be saying goodbye soon.
Among the names most closely linked to the role is Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.
The Spaniard attracted praise across Europe after leading Bournemouth to an impressive campaign.
Bournemouth finished sixth in the Premier League, playing some of the most attacking and entertaining football in the division under Iraola, who has greatly improved his reputation over the past 12 months.
This form has naturally attracted interest from several clubs including AC Milan and Crystal Palace, with the former believed to have initiated negotiations to counter Steve Parish’s interest.
Sky Sports shares latest updates on Andoni Iraola and Crystal Palace
However, according to comments made during a live Sky Sports broadcast, neither situation appears to be anywhere close to progress at this point.
Sky said this morning: “I just heard that negotiations[with AC Milan]are not progressing very well.”
“Will that give Crystal Palace hope that Andoni Iraola might go to Selhurst Park?
“Well, we’ve been told, but no, it doesn’t look like he’s likely to join Crystal Palace anymore either.
“So negotiations with AC Milan are not progressing, but that means nothing when it comes to the Crystal Palace situation.
“Despite winning the trophy last night, he is said to not really want to leave sixth-placed Bournemouth for 15th-placed Crystal Palace.”
On the other hand, the collapse of Milan’s pursuit may have paved the way for other clubs to move into a stronger position.
But Sky suggest Iraola remains reluctant to join Palace, regardless of developments at other clubs.
Winning the Conference League was another major achievement for the club, further increasing its profile throughout Europe. However, Palace spent most of the season in the first half and their league games were unconvincing.
This contrast may partly explain why managers who are already successful elsewhere are difficult to persuade.
However, Palace are expected to continue considering multiple options before making a final decision, with former Flamengo manager Filipe Luis thought to be among the possible alternatives.
Iraola remains admired within the club for his attacking style, reputation as a coach and ability to develop players, even if a move is unlikely at this point.
The situation may continue to change rapidly.
Managerial markets often change rapidly once clubs have formally begun negotiations, and Palace are aware that important appointments are on the horizon ahead of a new season involving European football.
But for now, the message coming out of Sky Sports is clear. Despite Palace’s European domination and AC Milan’s stalled negotiations, Iraola’s arrival does not appear to be on the horizon.
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The Eagles are interested.
