Key Takeaways
- Bournemouth beat Newcastle 2-1 to stretch their unbeaten league run to 13 matches and stay in the European race.
- Andoni Iraola will leave the club in June after turning down a new deal, with Manchester United, Newcastle, Athletic Club and Real Madrid among the possible next stops.
- The Spaniard has the best points-per-game record of any Bournemouth manager and says he is in “no rush” to decide his future.
Bournemouth’s players answered any talk of a dip in focus with a loud 2-1 win at St James’ Park on Saturday, just days after boss Andoni Iraola told them he will step down this summer.
Winger Marcus Tavernier said the news made the squad “run harder” for the coach who has lifted the club from 15th to the edge of Europe in under two seasons.
Iraola, 43, took over in June 2023. He first steered the Cherries to 12th place with a club-record 48 points, then improved again to ninth last term while reaching the FA Cup quarter-finals. The current campaign has brought a record 13-match unbeaten league streak and 48 points with seven games left, level with Chelsea and Brentford in the fight for continental football.
Despite months of talks, Iraola rejected an extended contract. “The club tried everything,” he said. “I just felt this was the right moment to leave.”
Speculation is now rife. Newcastle have slipped to within three points of the drop zone, increasing pressure on Eddie Howe, the man Iraola replaced at Bournemouth. Manchester United are also assessing options while Michael Carrick finishes the season as interim chief. Liverpool, Chelsea and even Manchester City have been mentioned by pundits as potential landing spots should vacancies arise.
A return to Spain appeals as well. Athletic Club, where Iraola played 510 games, will be manager-less when Ernesto Valverde departs in June. Real Madrid could enter the market if interim coach Álvaro Arbeloa fails to close the nine-point gap to Barcelona.
“I don’t know if I’ll coach next season,” Iraola told BBC Radio Solent. “I have no rush. My choice to leave Bournemouth was not driven by any other club.”
Whatever he decides, the Basque coach will exit the south coast with the best win rate and points average in the club’s Premier League history, and with suitors from England to Spain queuing for his signature.