Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season, with the Spanish manager expected to see a number of clubs follow in his footsteps following his impressive form on the south coast.
Iraola has confirmed he will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season (Image: Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola has become one of the most popular managers in European football. Bournemouth manager Iraola, 43, will take control of his club after a highly impressive three-year spell on the south coast.
Iraola not only led Bournemouth to ninth place in terms of points scored last season, but also rebuilt the team this season after the club sold Antoine Semenho, Dean Huyssen and Milos Kerkes.
Not only has his style of football won many admirers, but he has also contributed to the development of players, with midfielder Alex Scott developing into one of the Premier League’s most exciting midfielders.
When Bournemouth replaced Iraola with Gary O’Neill in June 2023, it caused a huge backlash as it was a shocking decision and caused a lot of confusion.
However, Iraola has established himself as one of the Premier League’s most respected young managers, having grown up under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta and is one of a number of Basque managers, including Unai Emery and Xabi Alonso.
read more: Andoni Iraola leaves Bournemouth as Manchester United find out about potential new managerread more: Gary Lineker’s new stance on Arsenal and Man City – ‘If my life depended on it’
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Iraola has a passion and love for Athletic Bilbao, having made over 400 appearances as a player, and bookmakers are already betting on him to take over as manager after Ernesto Valverde announced his departure at the end of the season.
The news broke on the same day Bournemouth beat Manchester United 2-2 last month, and when Iraola was asked about it in the post-match press conference, the die appeared to have been cast.
Iraola said: “It probably affects me as a supporter because I support this club. I’ve been playing there for many years and it was a surprise to me as well. I have a lot of friends in your group and they watch the news and they send you messages.
“I can only speak well. My biggest reference in football is Ernesto. It’s a decision he made, but it doesn’t affect me except on the supporters’ side.”
Iraola will be in charge of Bournemouth from 2023 (Image: Getty Images)
You came back thinking there was only one place for him to go. Bournemouth have been trying hard to convince him to stay, but it has become clear he wants a new challenge.
Iraola has certainly earned that opportunity and will likely choose his club as well. He knows that Athletic Bilbao will be there if he wants. But equally, other big jobs could come this summer.
Real Madrid, Manchester City, Manchester United. Who knows, maybe Liverpool too. If that happens, Premier League options like Crystal Palace may emerge.
This would be a man in demand. He is dedicated, well liked and respected. But it is also driven. If you’re not on his team, you’re nowhere. You have to work hard, listen and improve. He has a clear plan, but his football is fast, exciting and overachieving in this team.
Andoni Iraola has done a great job at Bournemouth (Image: Getty Images)
Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley said: “Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons. He brings an intensity, innovation and clear philosophy that elevates Bournemouth both on and off the pitch.”
“We are extremely grateful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time together and what we accomplished.”
Iraola added: “It has been a privilege to manage Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I would like to thank the players, staff and (chairman) Bill (Foley) for making my time here so special.”
“The fans have continued to show great support to me and the team, and for that I will always be grateful.”
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