Andoni Iraola’s Cherries face formidable opposition in their FA CupQuarter Final as they face Manchester City, in what will be the weekend’s final cup fixture, promising to be a fast, thrilling affair.
Ahead of their massive cup tie, Bournemouth head coach, Iraola, spoke to the media and emphasised the significance of the occasion whilst offering key updates on his squad.
The fixture gives Bournemouth another chance this season to break records and create history by reaching the semi-finals for the first time at Wembley.
The Cherries have already tasted victory against City earlier in the season, running out deserved 2-1 winners but now attention turns to the club’s biggest cup fixture in their history…
A historic opportunity awaits…
With most of the **Premier League**’s traditional giants already eliminated from the competition, the Cherries see a rare opening to progress further into the tournament than ever before.
Speaking on the game, Iraola said, “We have a big opportunity this weekend.”
“We know the challenge, we know who we face, but the reward is very big.”
Harking back to the Cherries’ earlier success over City, Iraola was clear on what is needed for Sunday’s fixture.
“We arrive at a different moment, there has been a transfer window, new signings… but I hope we give the level or close to the level we gave that day because I think we played very well. It is the only way to have a chance.”
The Spaniard is under no illusions about the difficulty of the task at hand.
City have picked up their performances a little in recent weeks, with key players like Kevin De Bruyne and Erling Haaland fully fit and firing again.
The Cherries boss knows it will take more than just a strong starting XI to overcome Pep Guardiola’s side.
“I do not know if it is going to be enough to beat City, but everyone has to give everything – the ones who play, the ones who do not play, us from the bench, the supporters,” he urged.
“At the end of the day, the reward for everyone is huge.”
“When you face a competition with the chance to play at Wembley, for us, this is something we have dreamed of.”
With the game needing to be decided on the day, extra time and penalties could come into play, making home advantage all the more crucial.
Bournemouth fans will need to play their part in driving the team forward in what could be an historic day for the club.
Senesi return eases defensive problems
One of the biggest concerns for Bournemouth heading into this fixture is the defence, with both Milos Kerkez and Dean Huijsen suspended.
Iraola faces a major selection headache at the back, as a result, but the potential return of Marcos Senesi offers a much-needed boost.
The Argentine defender has been sidelined since **Bournemouth**’s 4-2 win over Wolves in November but has returned to training over the international break.
Iraola was optimistic about his chances of taking part but remained cautious of his fitness.
“Marcos definitely cannot play 90 minutes, but he is going to be in the squad and he can help us in the game,” Iraola said.
“We have had a couple of good weeks working well with Marcos and Julián [Araujo], and Adam [Smith] is starting to do some things with the group. It has been good news.”
With the Cherries needing extra defensive cover, **Senesi**’s return could be crucial in getting the team over the line.
Senesi was part of the Bournemouth side who beat Manchester City in November last year, so even if the Argentine only plays part of the match, his experience will be key.
Iraola insisted he is focused on ensuring his team is fully prepared for the test ahead by saying, “We have to be realistic. There are better teams than us, and we have to fight against teams that are very good. We will try to give the best level we have.”
One win from Wembley
Sunday represents more than just another game—it is a chance for Bournemouth to take another giant leap forward as a club.
Earlier in the week, the club moved into their state-of-the-art training ground that rivals other top facilities around England and Europe, marking a new era at AFC Bournemouth.
The odds may be stacked against them in this fixture, but as Iraola’s side has shown before, they are capable of rising to the occasion and reaching the next level.
A packed Vitality Stadium, a squad hungry for success, and the dream of a first-ever FA Cup Semi Final at Wembley means everything is set for a dramatic afternoon of cup football on the South Coast.