MX23RW : Monday, April 21 14:43:18| >> :60:1380:1380:

Real Madrid managerial shortlist: Andoni Iraola's stunning work at Bournemouth sees him 'emerge' as genuine option

Could Iraola replace Ancelotti at Real Madrid this summer?
© Imago
Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola is allegedly an option to replace Carlo Ancelotti as Real Madrid manager at the end of the campaign.

Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola is reportedly an option to replace Carlo Ancelotti, should the Italian leave his job as Real Madrid manager at the end of the 2024-25 campaign.

Ancelotti has a contract with Real Madrid until June 2026, and the 65-year-old is bidding to lead the capital giants to a treble this season, but there is uncertainty when it comes to his long-term future.

The Italian could allegedly leave Bernabeu this summer, and Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso is seen as the red-hot favourite to replace Ancelotti at the helm.

However, according to the Daily Mail, Iraola has been added to the shortlist, with the Spaniard's excellent work in the Premier League with Bournemouth not going unnoticed.

Iraola started his managerial career with AEK Larnaca in 2018 before taking charge of Mirandes, but he made his name with Rayo Vallecano, enjoying an impressive spell with the capital side between 2020 and 2023.

Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola on January 18, 2025© Imago

Real Madrid 'identify Iraola as possible Ancelotti replacement'

Leeds United were keen to appoint Iraola in February 2023, but he was not allowed to leave Rayo at that stage.

Bournemouth appointed the 42-year-old as their head coach in June 2023, though, and he led the Cherries to their best-ever Premier League season in 2023-24, picking up 48 points to finish 12th.

The Cherries are on course to comfortably beat that this season, already claiming 43 points from 25 matches, which has left them in fifth spot in the Premier League table and in a strong position to challenge for Champions League qualification.

Bournemouth have only lost once in all competitions since the end of November, and they are only one point behind fourth-placed Man City in the table, with Iraola's work being hugely praised.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola on December 22, 2024© Imago

Could Real Madrid face competition for Iraola?

Tottenham Hotspur are believed to be huge admirers of Iraola, with the North London club thought to view him as a potential replacement for Ange Postecoglou, should the head coach be relieved of his duties.

There is also currently speculation surrounding the future of Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim, and it is likely that Iraola would be a candidate if the Red Devils decide to make another change.

Bournemouth, for obvious reasons, will be desperate to keep hold of Iraola, but the Cherries will know that their manager is in high demand, and it is difficult to see him staying on a long-term basis due to his incredible work at the Vitality Stadium.

ID:565976:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5501:
Written by
Matt Law

Carlo Ancelotti future - Click here for more stories

Click here for more stories about Andoni Iraola

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Real Madrid CF head coach Carlo Ancelotti on September 24, 2024
Read Next:
Ancelotti connection: Real Madrid 'interested in signing' £75m-rated centre-back
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free match previews newsletter! Updates are sent twice a week.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool33247275314479
2Arsenal331812361273466
3Newcastle UnitedNewcastle331851062441859
4Manchester CityMan City33177964422258
5Chelsea33169858401857
6Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest32176951381357
7Aston Villa3316985347657
8Bournemouth3313101052401249
9Fulham33139114845348
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton33121295353048
11Brentford33137135650646
12Crystal Palace331111114145-444
13Everton33814113440-638
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd33108153846-838
15Wolverhampton WanderersWolves33115174861-1338
16Tottenham HotspurSpurs321141760491137
17West Ham UnitedWest Ham3399153755-1836
18Ipswich TownIpswich3349203371-3821
19Leicester CityLeicester3346232773-4618
20Southampton3325262478-5411


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!