Iraola Emerges as Favorite for Future Chelsea Manager Role

Spanish manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly very keen on taking over at Chelsea, according to reputable Italian journalist Fabrizio Romano. The current Bournemouth boss has already announced his departure from the Cherries at the end of the season, and Romano adds that Iraola's desire is to continue working in the Premier League. This is precisely why the job at Stamford Bridge has strongly piqued his interest.

Currently, Callum MacFarlane is at the helm of Chelsea, having taken charge for the second time this season following the dismissal of Liam Rossinier, who spent only 106 days leading the London club. The U19 youth team coach will manage the Blues only until the end of the season, by which time the club's hierarchy is expected to decide on who will take over from the summer. Iraola is considered one of the main favorites, and his position in this regard has been further strengthened by the public rejections from Frank Lampard and Cesc Fabregas, who distanced themselves from the Stamford Bridge role.

Other names linked to the position include Oliver Glasner, Xavi Hernandez, Xabi Alonso, Marco Silva, and Julian Nagelsmann, but Iraola currently appears to be the frontrunner. The Spaniard was also connected with the managerial post at Manchester United, but it seems increasingly likely that Old Trafford will stick with current interim coach Michael Carrick.