After Bournemouth’s defeat to Manchester City on Tuesday night, they can now no longer finish eighth in the table, as they trail Brighton by five points.
As it was heading into the game at City, the Cherries needed to win both of their remaining fixtures and hope results elsewhere went their way.
But now mathematically they are unable to reach continental competition.
And Iraola was disappointed that they are heading into the final game of the season against Leicester without a hope of qualifying.
“We wanted to carry all the chances until the last game,” he told the Daily Echo.
“It was really very small chances because you need a lot of results [to go our way].
“But it would mean we still are fighting for Europe until the last game. But it was a difficult day.
“I think you could see straight away City didn't want to make any mistakes. It was also very big for them and they won, especially first minute for me.
“They've started really, really strong.”