Andoni Iraola praised his players’ adaptability and mentality after Bournemouth edged out Liverpool 3-2 on Saturday evening, securing a vital three points in their Premier League campaign.
With numbers stretched and recent results adding pressure, the Cherries were forced to approach the contest differently.
Iraola admitted the win felt significant not just because of the opponent, but because of the circumstances his side are currently facing.
“It is a massive win for us because we were in a difficult situation especially last week in terms of numbers wise and in defensive players.”
Adapting to the rhythm of the match
After the game, Iraola explained that rather than sticking rigidly to the usual high-energy approach, his side are learning to manage games more intelligently, like choosing when to push and when to conserve energy.
“We are finding ways to get points against difficult opposition. I am very proud of the team and what we are doing. We are adapting and we are getting good points.”
That adaptability was key against Liverpool, particularly as the game swung in momentum.
After racing into a two-goal lead, Bournemouth conceded just before half-time, a moment Iraola felt could have changed the mood entirely.
“That is when you don’t want to concede. We wanted to go into the dressing room 2-0 up. It was a good goal from [Virgil] Van Dijk and we knew we were going to have to push with everything they have done it and we conceded two set plays.”
Freedom, belief and better game management
When Liverpool completed their comeback to make it 2-2 late on, Bournemouth could easily have retreated into damage limitation.
Instead, Iraola felt the equaliser brought a sense of freedom that allowed his side to play with greater clarity and intent.
The Cherries’ boss said, “But from the 2-2 we started playing better and we felt that we didn’t have anything to lose.”
That shift in mindset proved decisive, with Bournemouth pushing again in the closing stages and eventually being rewarded deep into stoppage time at the Vitality Stadium.
For Iraola, it was a moment that reflected how his side are learning to manage games better, particularly after suffering late setbacks earlier in the season.
“Sometimes it happens differently this season. We have conceded late goals but when it happens and you score, it’s good.”
Rather than seeing the late winner as a dramatic change in approach, Iraola framed it as a necessary evolution driven by circumstance, with Bournemouth adapting their energy levels and choosing when to apply pressure.
“Normally we go full gas and try to keep the energy until the end. Now probably because we don’t have the numbers we are choosing when to go, choosing to save a bit of energy until the end of the game.”
Points over performances
For Iraola, the result ultimately comes down to necessity.
Bournemouth have undergone a dreadful run of form recently, but following two wins and a draw in their last three games, suggests belief is growing once again.
“I think it is a win that we needed. We are now in 30 points, we need the points and we need them as soon as possible. We are still in relegation situation so we still have to fight and go for points.”
Recent form underlines that fight and if Bournemouth continue to adapt as Iraola suggests, they may yet find the consistency needed to pull clear when it matters most and end the season as they started.
Photo of Josh Miller
Josh Miller
Professional experienced in SEO, content and feature writing. Write mainly about Bournemouth.