Andoni Iraola Leaves Bournemouth with Europa League Glory After Remarkable Journey
Bournemouth fans celebrated their European dreams with chants of "We're all going on a European tour" after a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest on Sunday. Despite hopes for a Champions League finish, the result secured a sixth-place finish in the Premier League, allowing the Cherries to qualify for next season's Europa League under the guidance of departing manager Andoni Iraola. Iraola took over in the wake of a tumultuous season that saw Bournemouth finish 15th in 2022-23, following a disastrous start under previous manager Scott Parker. His tenure marked a significant transformation for the club, culminating in a record 57 points this season. Although he announced his exit in April due to contract negotiations failing, he leaves with the team well-positioned for future success. Key highlights from Iraola's final season include: Achieving an 18th draw, equaling a Premier League record. Maintaining an unbeaten run of 17 games in the league. Overcoming a challenging period of 11 games without a win between November and January. Iraola expressed gratitude towards the fans and players, stating, "I have enjoyed every second with the fans, with the players." He also acknowledged the club's growth amid significant player departures, which generated around £250m in transfers. As he prepares to take a break before deciding on his next steps, Iraola leaves behind a legacy of positivity and achievement at Bournemouth, handing over a solid foundation to his successor, Marco Rose.
Source: BBC Sport - 2026-05-24