Bournemouth’s Managing Director of Professional Football, Tiago Pinto, has revealed how Andoni Iraola has reacted to big sales at the club.
Rivista Undici have an interview with the Bournemouth director today. He’s discussed all elements of life at Bournemouth, including working with Iraola.
The Spanish coach has been nothing short of a revelation since his arrival at the club, establishing himself as one of the Premier League most highly regarded tactical managers.
His time at the club so far has seen him guide them to the club’s highest-ever Premier League points total in 2023/24, which they then surpassed in 2024/25 with 56 points.
There’s also been a strong focus on player development, with several stars improving rapidly under his guidance. That, though, has led to big exits in the last few transfer windows.
Bournemouth develop stars
Last summer saw their entire defence depart as Ilya Zabarnyi, Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez all left for PSG, Real Madrid and Liverpool. Dango Ouattara also joined Brentford in a £36m deal.
The story continued in the January transfer window as star man Antoine Semenyo joined Manchester City in a club-record £62.5m deal. This summer will likely see Marcos Senesi depart also.
Such major departures are clearly a problem for Bournemouth. Indeed, one could look at the impact on Crystal Palace and their crumbling relationship with Oliver Glasner of the effect such exits can have.
Pinto praises Iraola
Iraola, though, is yet to complain publicly about the situation on the south coast. And Pinto insists it’s the same behind the scenes.
“I’ve worked with many coaches and learned something from all of them,” he said.
“Today I can say that Andoni is different, he’s special. He’s a modern coach, someone who understands all the dynamics of football.
“A coach has enormous communicative power: he’s the club’s main spokesperson; he’s the figure the fans listen to and respect. But behind that, there are many things that aren’t seen.
“Take the example of Bournemouth. We sold players not because we were happy to sell them, but because there are rules to follow. A coach other than Andoni might say, “They sold all my players.” He doesn’t.
“Not only because he’s a great coach and a good person. But because he has all the information and understands the context.”