BOURNEMOUTH, England (AP) – Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will leave the Premier League club at the end of the season after failing to agree a new contract.
“While I believe now is the right time to step down, I will always have great memories of my time at this club,” Iraola said in a statement posted on the club’s website on Tuesday. “I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
The Spanish manager joined Bournemouth in 2023 after a successful spell with Rayo Vallecano, who won promotion to La Liga in 2021. They moved up three places to 12th with the Cherries and signed a new contract until 2026. Last season, the Cherries were ninth on club record points total. They are currently 11th in the European competition, just three points behind sixth-placed Chelsea.
Bournemouth had a memorable 2-1 victory over league leaders Arsenal on Saturday.
The 43-year-old Andoni has become the most successful Cherries manager in the Premier League, with the highest winning percentage and most goals scored through 108 games.
“Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club,” said club chairman Bill Foley. “He brought an intensity, innovation and clear philosophy that improved AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. We are extremely grateful for his leadership and our time working together and what we achieved will always be great memories.”
Bournemouth sporting director Tiago Pinto also praised the former Athletic Bilbao right-back’s influence.
“Andoni is someone I have a lot of respect for, both as a head coach and as a person. His attention to detail, tactical intelligence and ability to get the most out of his players is something we see every day,” Pinto said. “We obviously respect his decision and thank him for everything he has done for this football club over the past three years.”
Fitness coach Pablo de la Torre will also retire at the end of this season.
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
