Andoni Iraola has ‘no clue’ as to next job after Bournemouth exit
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Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola announced on Tuesday that he would leave the south coast club at the end of this season.
PHOTO: REUTERS
LONDON – Outgoing Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will have no shortage of suitors among Europe’s biggest clubs after announcing he will step down, but the Spaniard has said that he has not even thought about where he might end up next.
Iraola, who replaced Gary O’Neil in 2023, announced on April 14 that he would leave the English south coast club at the end of this season. The Cherries have been impressive under his charge and they even beat leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium last weekend.
“I have no clue. I don’t know if I am going to coach next season. I have no rush to know it,” the 43-year-old said ahead of the Premier League away clash with Newcastle United on April 18.
"We have taken the decision and the decision has not been affected by any other club.
“The decision I’ve taken is because probably I don’t want to risk the feeling I have right now of satisfaction of these three seasons. You try to envision yourself in a possible fourth season, a possible fifth season and everything costs more... I suppose I decided this was the right moment to put an end to this journey that for me has been really special.”
Sky Sports, meanwhile, reported that RB Leipzig’s German manager Marco Rose has reached an agreement with Bournemouth to replace Iraola.
Last season, Iraola took Bournemouth to a joint-best top-flight finish of ninth with their highest Premier League points haul of 56.
He said that the hierarchy had tried to do everything to keep him at the club and had made a formal contract extension offer in December.
“I tried to talk about my feelings. I know they have been working on the future. It is not something that has happened by surprise,” Iraola said. “The seasons I have been here I have been so satisfied, I don’t want almost to risk it.
“I feel full of energy, it’s not I am exhausted, I am more motivated to finish this season. But sometimes you have to choose well the moment to leave places.”
He admitted it had been tough to tell his staff, but insisted that he wanted to end his reign on a high as Bournemouth try to qualify for European competition.
“It’s true that with some members of the staff – you’ve been here three years – it has been very difficult as there is mutual appreciation,” Iraola said.
“Some people will not understand the decision but we still have two months to be together, enjoy it and create memories.” REUTERS
