Whoever ultimately takes over at Bournemouth faces a tough challenge. Since his arrival in 2023, Iraola has firmly established the Cherries in the Premier League and largely kept them out of the relegation battle. Last term the Spaniard guided the Cherries to a ninth-place finish, briefly within sight of European spots. This campaign, six matches remain, and they sit only three points adrift of sixth in a congested mid-table.
Bournemouth confirmed Iraola’s departure on Tuesday, with his contract set to expire this summer. “This is the right time for me to step down,” the 43-year-old Spaniard said. He is now linked with a move to former club Athletic Bilbao, where he spent many years as a player.
Last Saturday, in one of his final matches in charge, Iraola masterminded a 2-1 victory at league leaders Arsenal, thanks to goals from Junior Kroupi and Alex Scott, a result that keeps the Gunners’ title hopes fragile.