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This week we’re looking at how Andoni Iraola has turned Bournemouth from relegation candidates to European challengers in just over 12 months. Sign up to receive more like this, plus exclusive analysis, insights and transfer talk straight to your inbox every week.
What’s going on here, then?
Imagine having to integrate four or five new first team players after losing some of your most influential stars, all while maintaining good form so you can challenge at the top of the table.
Difficult, as Arne Slot is finding out. But not so much for Andoni Iraola and Bournemouth, who sit in second place and look like they belong to be there.
We’ve been here before, remember Nottingham Forest?
The Cherries and the Evangelos Marinakis ego machine that is Nottingham Forest are quite different.
Forest shocked everyone last season with their sudden transformation from chaotic relegation strugglers to reliable top six challengers (and now back again) while Bournemouth’s rise has been steadier, but just as surprising.
And it hasn’t come easy either. When Iraola arrived in the summer of 2023 he failed to win a league game in his first nine attempts but was given time to perfect his system.
Since then, Bournemouth slowly became one of the most entertaining sides in the league as well as one of the worst to play against, with their aggressive pressing and direct style ruffling more than a few feathers.
Can Bournemouth qualify for the Champions League this season?
Why not? With just three losses in their last 17 games stretching back to April, Bournemouth have momentum on their side.
They’re also one of the few top half sides who aren’t playing in Europe this season. The extra rest should allow them to capitalise on any tired legs around them. Pray for the fullback who has to defend against Antoine Semenyo after a midweek trip to eastern Europe.
Injuries to key players would take the wind out of Bournemouth’s sails, with the fitness of Semenyo particularly important to any future success.
But the excellent run of form they put together in the second half of last season came with multiple key players, like Tyler Adams and Marcos Senesi missing a number of games.
In Iraola, they have an adaptable manager that has added the ability to control games to their usual chaotic style this year.
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How long until someone poaches Iraola?
Looking at the trajectory of both Liverpool and Chelsea’s seasons, it might be sooner rather than later.
Liverpool are unlikely to abandon Slot just yet, but Enzo Maresca’s increasingly volatile press conferences and inconsistent form could push Chelsea to get trigger happy.
But Iraola might do well to learn from Graham Potter, the last up-and-comer to jump from an overachieving club to Stamford Bridge – he’s now back in Sweden via a disastrous stint at West Ham.
A more appealing option for him may be to wait until Pep Guardiola decides to leave Manchester City, whose transition towards a more direct style of play this season looks like a side readying themselves for change.
Iraola’s contract runs out next summer, and the Bournemouth hierarchy will be desperate to keep him.
Should Andoni Iraola leave Bournemouth?
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Yes, he should make a move while his stock is high
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Not yet, he should wait for the right job
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No, he should stay at Bournemouth for a few years
Owner Bill Foley was in the stands for last weekend’s win at home to Forest – his presence has given fans renewed hope that a deal can be struck for their manager.
However, the stars could be aligning for a move north with Guardiola giving off a Jurgen Klopp vibe amid rumours that this could be his last season at the Etihad.
For his part, Pep has been full of praise for his countryman since his arrival.
Aside from Mikel Arteta, it’s hard to argue against Iraola being the best manager in the league at the moment.
And a win for the Cherries on Sunday would be another step closer to a magical season.
