Crystal Palace Urged to Target Iraola Over Frank
Crystal Palace’s season has drifted into an uneasy space. According to Give Me Sport, voices around Selhurst Park believe the club must think boldly this summer and pursue Andoni Iraola, rather than revisit familiar ground with Thomas Frank.
The immediate backdrop is tension. Palace recorded only their second win of 2026, secured by a late Evann Guessand strike, yet relief did little to soften the mood. Selhurst Park felt restless, even toxic, as supporters vented frustration at performances that have lacked clarity and momentum.
Iraola Vision for Palace
Journalist Alan Nixon has reported that Steve Parish is keen on Iraola, while heavy links persist around Frank. The debate feels symbolic. Iraola represents progressive thinking. Frank carries Premier League experience and familiarity.
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Described as “the best young coach in the world” by Sam Tighe, Iraola has built Bournemouth into a competitive Premier League side, despite regular player sales. There is coherence to his work, a trust in development and tactical bravery that resonates with Palace’s own model.
Bournemouth under Iraola have shown structure and adaptability. They look coached. For Palace, who oscillate between promise and passivity, that may be the missing piece.
Glasner Under Pressure
Oliver Glasner’s tenure appears to be reaching a delicate stage. When supporters turn, noise grows quickly. The Austrian’s recent plea for fans to “stay humble” did not land well. Against Wolves, chants of “staying humble” echoed back at him, accompanied by sarcastic cheers for substitutions and a banner that underscored discontent.
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It was a revealing moment. Even in victory, unity felt fractured.
A managerial change may not be imminent, but the direction of travel is clear. Palace are not devoid of talent. They require coherence and conviction. Iraola offers both. Frank would bring credibility, yet some fear it signals caution over ambition.
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For Parish, the decision will shape Palace’s next chapter. Stability matters, but so does imagination. If Iraola becomes attainable, the argument is that Palace must act decisively.
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The frustration at Selhurst Park has not emerged overnight. Performances have been inconsistent, identity blurred. Glasner’s comments about fans needing to “stay humble” felt misjudged, especially when results have offered limited reassurance.
Iraola is an enticing prospect. Bournemouth have played with purpose and clarity under his leadership. For Palace fans, that is attractive. The club prides itself on youth development and dynamic football. Iraola aligns with that ethos.
Thomas Frank would not be dismissed lightly. He understands the Premier League landscape and has managed through adversity. Yet some supporters fear a safer appointment may not deliver transformation.
What Palace crave is belief. A manager who can harness the energy of Selhurst Park rather than stand at odds with it. If Iraola truly is available, many fans would urge Parish to be bold. Progress requires courage, not comfort.