Andoni Iraola has been linked with the Manchester United manager job and has now spoken out about his Bournemouth future
Andoni Iraola looks on during a Bournemouth game
Andoni Iraola will leave AFC Bournemouth in the summer(Image: Robin Jones/AFC Bournemouth)
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Andoni Iraola has clarified that his decision to depart AFC Bournemouth is not driven by the lure of another managerial position elsewhere. Iraola has been touted as a contender for the manager's role at Manchester United and Newcastle, and news of his impending exit has fuelled suggestions that a switch to Old Trafford could materialise this summer.
The 43-year-old will leave Bournemouth at the conclusion of the campaign when his contract runs out, prompting speculation that he could become the new United manager in the coming months.
United are anticipated to appoint a permanent boss in the months ahead, with Iraola mentioned in reports as a possible successor to Michael Carrick, who was installed as interim head coach earlier this year.
Bournemouth are set to take on Newcastle in the Premier League this weekend, and Iraola has now addressed the reasoning behind his choice to leave the Cherries at the season's end, reports the Manchester Evening News.
Iraola also emphasised that the decision was not taken with a move to another club already lined up.
"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.
"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 sole candidate being touted for the United position, with Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner also featuring as a potential replacement for Carrick.
Glasner is leaving Palace when the campaign concludes and has subsequently been linked with the managerial vacancy at United.
Carrick has also been mentioned in rumours about securing the role permanently, having steered United to third position in the Premier League standings with six fixtures remaining.
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