Andoni Iraola’s lifechanging moment this week was years in the making.
Six years ago, after spells managing in Cyprus and the lower leagues in Spain, he took over Rayo Vallecano, earning them promotion to La Liga in his first season.
They were favourites to be relegated given that they had only been promoted via the play-offs, but over the next two years, Iraola would emerge a reputation in management circles as one of the most impressive young coaches in Europe.
When he decided to leave the club in 2023, a move to the Premier League was on the horizon… but things could’ve been very different.
What are we making of Celtic’s third kit for next season?
Andoni Iraola ‘threw his hat into the ring’ for Celtic role
He had come close to taking over at Leeds United in the February, but remained at Rayo until the end of the season.
Celtic were dealing with the departure of Ange Postecoglou, which came as something of a surprise due to Tottenham making their move late in the season — ironically, Spurs had moved onto the Aussie after being rejected by Arne Slot.
READ MORE: Andy Walker admits Celtic fan-board ‘strain’ will remain under Martin O’Neill
As ever, there was plenty of interest in the Parkhead vacancy, and it was reported by Stephen McGowan at the time that Iraola ‘threw his hat into the ring’ for the job.
Celtic weren’t the only club to snub Iraola that summer; Sevilla were also linked before opting for Jose Luis Mendilibar.
At the last minute, Iraola was then approached by Bournemouth, who completed the appointment less than a week before the beginning of pre-season.
It worked out alright.
Iraola was a controversial appointment, as many felt that the preceding decision to sack Gary O’Neill was unjust, and he was under pressure after a rough start.
In the end, he transformed the team’s style of play to a ferocious, pressing, aggressive machine, earning their best-ever points total in his first season.
This was just the start, as they would better this in both of the following campaigns, culminating in Europa League qualification this season after an incredible 18-match unbeaten run.
To come full circle, Celtic instead opted for Brendan Rodgers… himself a former manager of the Anfield club.
Four trophies and one Honda Civic later, he was gone.
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
