Chelsea working behind the scenes to appoint manager admired by Pep Guardiola | OneFootball

As Chelsea navigate the turbulent final stretch of their campaign under interim boss Calum McFarlane following the dismissal of Liam Rosenior, the club’s hierarchy has already initiated its long-term strategy for the summer. Behind the scenes, BlueCo executives are actively laying the groundwork to secure one of the most coveted tactical minds in the European market: outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola.

While Stamford Bridge remains clouded by uncertainty, the Chelsea boardroom views the 43-year-old Basque tactician as the ideal profile to inject clarity, identity, and aggressive intent into an incredibly expensive but deeply inconsistent squad, according to journalist Sacha Tavolieri.

Andoni Iraola will be available this summer

Since officially confirming in mid-April that he will step down as Bournemouth manager at the end of the season, Iraola is attracting attention from top clubs who are looking for a new manager.

Operating under distinct financial constraints compared to the division’s elite, he has transformed the Cherries into a relentless, high-octane machine pushing for a historic European qualification.

Chelsea’s sporting directors are particularly impressed with Iraola’s distinct tactical philosophy.

Furthermore, Iraola possesses an elite track record of accelerating youth development.

The vast individual leaps taken by the likes of Milos Kerkez, Ilya Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, and Antoine Semenyo under his leadership serve as the ultimate drawing card for BlueCo.

Spaniard can work wonders at Chelsea

Iraola can work exceptionally well at Chelsea, but only if the club’s management is entirely committed to adapting to his blueprint, rather than expecting him to compromise for a static squad.

If the hierarchy grants him complete tactical autonomy, targets highly athletic profiles in the transfer market, and provides the vital breathing room required to install his physically demanding identity, Iraola has the elite tactical acumen to build a relentless, top-tier force in West London.

However, executing the appointment is far from easy for the Blues.

Both Crystal Palace and Manchester United are closely following Iraola and keen to appoint him in the near future. The Spaniard could start a tug-of-war between the top clubs in the country.

Pep Guardiola has praised Iraola in the past, recognising the incredible job he had done in Spain before coming to the Premier League.