Andoni Iraola: Spanish coach set to leave Bournemouth after failing to agree new deal

Andoni 'instrumental in sharping the direction' of Bournemouth

Bournemouth chairman Bill Foley has praised the impact Andoni Iraola has had on the club during his three years as manager, hailing his "intensity" and "innovation".

Andoni achieved a record points total in his first season in charge, a top-10 finish in his second, and currently has Bournemouth dreaming of European football as they sit just three points behind sixth-placed Chelsea.

"Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons," Foley said.

"He brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch.

"We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished.”

'I will carry fantastic memories of this club' - Iraola

Bournemouth have confirmed Andoni Iraola will leave the club this summer, ending his three-year tenure.

The Spaniard has released the following statement:

"It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together.

"I’m thankful to the players and staff that I’ve worked with, as well as Bill [Foley, the club chairman], who have all made my time here so special.

"As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club."

'No hard feelings towards Iraola'

Nizaar Kinsella

BBC Sport Chelsea reporter

Bournemouth moved heaven and earth to convince Andoni Iraola to stay on as manager but were ultimately unable to reach an agreement.

For 15 months, senior figures at the club held discussions with Iraola about what it would take for him to remain in the role.

It was not about money, nor was there any frustration with the club’s sporting direction on the south coast.

The feeling was that Iraola wanted to delay his decision for as long as possible, as he had done at previous clubs. He was also known to be placing significant weight on his family’s wishes, with growing links to the vacant post at Athletic Club in his native Basque Country.

Iraola, for those unfamiliar with his playing career, is regarded as one of the top 10 greatest players in Athletic Club’s history. The Bilbao-based club are well financed, despite operating a long-standing policy of only selecting local players.

It is a blow for the Cherries, but there are no hard feelings towards Iraola, given the close personal relationships that exist at all levels of the club.

Furthermore, Bournemouth have had ample time to plan for his succession knowing his contract was running out and this was the possible outcome of the painstaking time taken to make his final call.

Iraola set to leave Bournemouth after failing to agree new deal

Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will leave the club this summer.

The Spaniard joined the club in 2023, replacing then head coach Gary O’Neil.

But his contract expires this summer and sources have told BBC Sport that talks over a new deal were unsuccessful.

Bournemouth had been determined to keep Iraola at the club but were unable to reach an agreement with the 43-year-old.

It means the Spaniard, one of the most highly-rated coaches in Europe, will leave the Cherries for free at the end of the campaign.

Sources close to the matter have told BBC Sport that Iraola has communicated to Bournemouth that he has not finalised his next move despite talk of a return to Spanish side Athletic Club.

Iraola spent 12 years at the Basque club as a player, making over 400 appearances for the club.

His family's desire to return to Spain is understood to be among the factors Iraola has considered when coming to his decision.

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