Why club are dithering over Andoni Iraola – Specific doubt about Bournemouth manager
by Naveen Ullal · Sport WitnessAFC Bournemouth have confirmed Andoni Iraola will leave the Premier League side at the end of this season.
The Spaniard arrived at Vitality Stadium in July 2023 and guided the Cherries to a 12th placed finish in his first season.
Bournemouth secured a ninth place finish the following season and are now 11th in the table, three points behind sixth placed Chelsea.
In short, Iraola could help the English club qualify for Europe before ending his three-year spell.
The 43-year-old’s future plans isn’t made public yet, but he won’t be short of options.
He’s in running to replace Oliver Glasner at Crystal Palace. Earlier this week, Sport Witness covered claims from Spain that the Eagles are offering a lucrative salary to tempt him.
Bayer Leverkusen in mix for Bournemouth boss
Friday’s edition of Bild looks at Bayer Leverkusen’s interest in Cherries manager Andoni Iraola.
Xabi Alonso stepped down from his role at the Bundesliga side to join Real Madrid in 2025. Erik ten Hag took over from Alonso and was sacked after three matches.
Kasper Hjulmand replaced the Dutchman but is unlikely to continue after this season as the team stagnated under his orders.
Therefore, the German club are looking for a manager and have three realistic candidates to replace the Dane.
The AFC Bournemouth boss is one of them. Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner and Brighton & Hove Albion boss Fabian Hürzeler are the other two.
Bild first mention Iraola and explain why Bayer Leverkusen have doubts over appointing him.
The Bundesliga side’s bosses believe the style of play employed by the Spaniard at both Bournemouth and Rayo Vallecano don’t fit their ‘offensive and possession-based approach.’
Cherries’ remaining fixtures this season
Andoni Iraola would be hoping to finish his spell on a high, after Bournemouth secured a 2-1 win over Arsenal last weekend.
His side have six more matches left this season.
- v Newcastle United [away] on April 18th
- v Leeds United [home] on April 22nd
- v Crystal Palace [home] on May 2nd
- v Fulham [away] on May 9th
- v Manchester City [home] TBD
- v Nottingham Forest [away] on May 24th