**Bournemouth**are battling **Brighton**to earn a third straight win of the season. The exodus from their camp has not stifled Andoni Iraola, but he still believes "big challenges" are ahead this campaign.
‘There are ups and downs’
In the final weeks of his first campaign, Iraola signed a year-long extension to his deal to keep him on the south coast until May 2026. He has seen four of his players renew terms with the Cherries this summer, and the clamour continues for the manager to agree to extend his stay with the side.
“I'm very happy here. I'm working is the third year, third season. We are starting the third season but it's an important season for me personally also I think it's a big challenge the one we have ahead.”
However, he knows players make the most difference, so he must earn the right to remain at Bournemouth. After departures for four of the back five from last season and a record transfer for Dango Ouattara to Brentford, Iraola has to instil first principles again with a new set of players.
“You have to get results. You have to you have to be good. And my focus is there. We need to improve because there has been a lot of changes. We need to adapt and integrate a lot of new players.”
**Bafode Diakite**and Adrien Truffert have settled into the back four from the first fixture against Liverpool. Amine Adli and **Ben Doak**add depth to the offence, but they are still finding their feet.
“The team is different. We've changed. I think a lot of players have departed. We need to integrate the new players as soon as possible and it's also a challenge for me. I think it's early to say that we've started well this season just three games is doesn't matter. We have to win more games and points.”
The Cherries continue to excel. They defeated **Wolves**1-0 at Dean Court, crushed Tottenham Hotspur despite a 1-0 score at their ground, and pushed the league champions on their turf. However, the Basque believes he cannot get ahead of himself and knows that trials will come their way.
“There are up and downs and moments where we will probably struggle. I hope we stay consistent.”