Andoni Iraola has spoken about his Bournemouth departure and Newcastle United speculation
Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth
Newcastle-linked Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth at the end of the season(Image: Robin Jones - AFC Bournemouth/AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
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Andoni Iraola has clarified that his decision to depart AFC Bournemouth is not driven by the possibility of another job awaiting him. Iraola has been linked with the manager's job at Newcastle United and Manchester United, with news of his imminent exit fuelling speculation that move to either club could be on the cards this summer.
The 43-year-old will exit Bournemouth at the end of the season when his contract runs out, which is prompting conjecture that he could move to either St James' Park or Old Trafford. Magpies boss Eddie Howe has been the subject of intense scrutiny in recent weeks after a tricky season for his side, who currently sit in 14th place.
The Red Devils, meanwhile, are anticipated to appoint a permanent manager in the coming months with Iraola mentioned in reports as a potential contender to succeed Michael Carrick, who was appointed interim head coach earlier this year.
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Bournemouth will take on Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend and Iraola has now addressed the reasoning behind his decision to leave the Cherries at the end of the season, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Iraola also emphasised that the decision was not made with a move to a new club already in mind.
"The decision was not about any other club, there was no other club involved. It was about either continuing here or not continuing here," Iraola said.
"I don't know what I want to do next season. I don't know if I am going to coach a team, a club. I don't know if I am going to coach an international team
" I don't know if I am going to coach in this continent. I have no idea what is going to happen.
"I don't know if you are going to believe me, but it is the truth. And also, I don't have any rush to want to know it.
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"I have taken a big decision for me, now I want to focus on what we have in this moment. These next six games are massive for us. There is going to be time to think."
Iraola isn't the only name being linked with the Man United position, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner also mentioned as a possible successor to Carrick.
Glasner is set to depart Palace at the end of the campaign, and consequently has been linked with the managerial vacancy at Old Trafford.
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