Andoni Iraola has refused to discuss the prospect of speaking to Chelsea about becoming their head coach, following the sacking of Liam Rosenior. The Spaniard was asked about his interest following Bournemouth’s draw with Leeds United on Wednesday.
The Blues are on the lookout for a new head coach after parting ways with Rosenior, who scarcely lasted three months in the job at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea chiefs are now in a period of self-reflection before making a move for their next permanent boss.
Iraola has quickly been touted as a frontrunning contender to succeed Rosenior, having already announced that he will depart Bournemouth at the end of the season. Despite that, he has refused to be drawn on the possibility of moving to west London.
FOLLOW OUR CHELSEA FB PAGE! Latest Blues news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
Asked if he would be interested in speaking to Chelsea, he said: “No, I think I said it when I announced I was not continuing here, fFor me, now, it’s about Bournemouth.
“Four games. We have an incredible position, (an) incredible fight (ahead).
“(This) past week, you were asking me about other clubs. I don’t know exactly which ones, but also, as a sign of respect for Bournemouth, I cannot talk right now about my future because it’s not what worries the Bournemouth supporters.”
Calum McFarlane has been placed in charge of Chelsea until the end of the season. The interim boss was placed on Rosenior’s backroom team following a brief stint in the hot seat after Enzo Maresca left the club in January.
McFarlane oversaw a draw with Manchester City and a defeat to Fulham on that occasion. He is set for a longer run over the next month, having started the season as under-21s boss, as the Blues go in search of European qualification and FA Cup glory.
Chelsea confirmed their plan when confirming Rosenior’s exit. They said: “Calum McFarlane will take charge of the team as Interim Head Coach until the end of the season with support from existing Club backroom staff, as we strive to achieve European qualification and progress in the FA Cup.
“As the Club works to bring stability to the Head Coach position, we will undertake a process of self-reflection to make the right long-term appointment.”
McFarlane is tasked with turning around a historic run of five consecutive defeats without scoring a goal, with Chelsea in eighth position, outside of the European places, and in danger of seeing Brentford and Everton leapfrog them this weekend.
Sky Sports, HBO Max, Netflix and Disney+ with Ultimate TV package
Sky has upgraded its Ultimate TV and Sky Sports bundle to now include HBO Max, Netflix, Disney+, discovery+ and Hayu, as well as 135 channels and full Sky coverage of the Premier League and EFL.
Sky broadcasts more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more with at least 215 live from the top flight alongside Formula 1, darts and golf.
