Andoni Iraola has made it clear that he will not be discussing his future while he is still in charge of Bournemouth, as speculation about his next move continues to grow. The 43-year-old manager has decided to leave the club at the end of the season when his contract expires.
Iraola has done an impressive job with Bournemouth, and a victory against Fulham on Saturday kept the club in contention for a remarkable Champions League finish. The Cherries are currently sixth in the Premier League table with two games remaining, and they are well placed to qualify for European football of some kind, even if it’s not the Champions League.
This would be an incredible achievement for a club of Bournemouth’s size, especially considering the number of players they lost during the summer transfer window last year. Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, and Dango Outtara were among those who left, along with Antoine Semenyo in January.
Iraola is not short of suitors as he considers his next step in management, with Manchester United and Liverpool linked with a move for the Spaniard. Crystal Palace are also preparing an ambitious move for him, but the Athletic Bilbao legend could be aiming higher than the Eagles.
The Bournemouth boss has not given much away yet and remains tight-lipped about his plans, with two big games still to take charge of in his current role. ‘I’m in no rush,’ he said after winning 1-0 at Craven Cottage. ‘I will not talk about my future. I’m fully focused on trying to finish this season with a reward, something tangible for the players and supporters.’
On his decision to leave Bournemouth, he said: ‘It was not an easy decision but once it is made you feel relief. I feel we have used it in a positive way. Since that day, we’ve had great results but also the mood. Everyone is clear, the relationship is so clean and honest.’
‘OK, this is going to happen, next season Marco Rose will be our manager. Everyone knows what’s happening. We are in good place and can use this in a positive way.’
Iraola has also been linked with a move back to the club he played over 500 games for, Athletic Bilbao, while Newcastle have been touted as a possible destination if they were to part company with Eddie Howe.
Crystal Palace are certainly in the market for a new manager as Oliver Glasner has also decided to leave at the end of his contract. Manchester United are yet to announce a decision on their managerial future, with Michael Carrick still in interim charge and a strong possibility to take the job permanently.
It has been widely reported that Arne Slot will remain Liverpool manager next season, but his popularity at Anfield is declining despite winning the Premier League last season. After a summer of big-spending, the Reds began this campaign as favourites to lift the Premier League trophy again but their title defence has been poor, with a draw against Chelsea on Saturday leaving them fourth and 17 points off top spot.
Marco Rose has already been confirmed as Iraola’s replacement at Bournemouth.
