Chelsea are searching for a new manager with Andoni Iraola an option and he has already issued a glowing verdict of one forgotten player
Andoni Iraola has already made his feelings clear on Nicolas Jackson with the two possibly set to link up at Chelsea next season. The latter joined Bayern Munich on loan with an obligation-to-buy, but looks set to return to the Blues with a key clause not being met while Iraola, who is leaving Bournemouth, is a candidate to replace Liam Rosenior.
The 41-year-old managed less than four months in the Stamford Bridge hotseat which meant he did not even have the chance to use Jackson. However, Iraola will almost certainly take that opportunity if he joins having heaped praise on the Senegal international in the past.
Ahead of Chelsea facing Bournemouth in 2023, Iraola said of Jackson: “I faced him with Villarreal. He is a very, very good player. He has the threat with his speed to attack the spaces. But he is very good also when he receives, turns and attacks one against one.
“I think he will provide not only the goals, but a lot of chances. He will work well with the other forwards. I think he is a really good player.”
Iraola was head coach of Rayo Vallecano before his move to the Cherries ahead of the 2023/24 season with his spell on the south coast coming to an end in a few weeks.
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A return to Spain has been touted for Iraola with Athletic Club, who he spent 12 years playing for, needing a manager for next season.
However, reports from the Basque region have stated that former Borussia Dortmund head coach Edin Terzic is set to replace Ernesto Valverde, which boosts Chelsea’s chances of appointing Iraola if that is the route taken.
Following Bournemouth’s 2-2 draw against Leeds United, Iraola was asked about links to the Chelsea job but he opted against issuing a clear response out of respect for his current employers.
He said: “No, I think I said it when I announced I was not continuing here. For 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.”
Jackson very nearly signed for Bournemouth six months prior to joining Chelsea but he failed a medical which saw him remain at Villareal for the remainder of that season.
Despite two strong campaigns, Jackson was phased out by Enzo Maresca after he was sent off twice in four appearances which unsurprisingly left the former Chelsea boss fuming.
He joined Bayern last August and has played just over 1,000 minutes across 28 appearances in this campaign with nine goals and four assists to his name. It has been reported that Jackson needed to start 40 matches in order for the buy-option, worth £56.3million, to be activated.
With that now impossible, Jackson will seemingly return to west London and if he is greeted by Iraola, his past comments suggest the 24-year-old will be reintegrated.
