Andoni Iraola Set to Depart Bournemouth as Club Shortlists Three Potential Replacements

Bournemouth's head coach, Andoni Iraola, has announced his decision to leave the club at the end of the current season. According to Sky Sports News, former RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund manager Marco Rose is among the top three candidates being considered to take over as Iraola's successor. Iraola's contract is set to expire in three months, and despite receiving numerous offers to extend his stay, he has chosen not to renew, amid interest from his former club Athletic Club and other Premier League teams. With six remaining games at Bournemouth, Iraola will depart after a record-breaking three-year tenure on the south coast. In a statement on the club's website, he expressed that this is the right time for him to step down. Iraola's final home game will be against Manchester City on May 17, followed by a trip to Nottingham Forest on the last day of the Premier League season. Bournemouth had attempted to persuade Iraola to stay, but although they are disappointed with his decision, a mutual respect remains between the two parties. Talks regarding Iraola's contract initially began over 15 months ago, but he preferred to delay discussions until later in the campaign. In the background, the search for a new head coach has been ongoing, and Sky Sports News reports that there are three favored candidates on Bournemouth's shortlist. Currently sitting 11th in the Premier League, Bournemouth has the opportunity to end Iraola's time on a high note, with a potential first European qualification in the club's history still within reach this season. They are two points behind seventh place, which would be sufficient to secure a spot in the Conference League next season. Since his appointment in June 2023, Iraola has been a popular figure at Bournemouth, implementing an attacking and dynamic style of football. Last season, the team finished ninth in the Premier League table with a club-record 56 points, breaking the Cherries' best top-flight return for the second consecutive season. This season, Iraola has had to cope with the sales of key players, including Dean Huijsen, Milos Kerkez, Illia Zabarnyi, Dango Ouattara, and Antoine Semenyo, for a total of £253m. Iraola will leave Bournemouth as one of the Premier League's most sought-after coaching prospects, but his next destination remains uncertain. Athletic Club is interested in bringing Iraola back to the Basque Country as they search for a new head coach, with Ernesto Valverde set to depart at the end of the season. Iraola spent 12 years in Bilbao and played over 500 games for the club, serving as captain of the Marcelo Bielsa side that eliminated Sir Alex Ferguson's Manchester United from the Europa League in 2011/12. According to Sky in Germany, former Borussia Dortmund boss Edin Terzic is also a potential candidate for Athletic Club, but any decision is expected to be delayed until after the club's presidential elections in May. Crystal Palace had considered Iraola as a prime candidate to replace the departing Oliver Glasner but have since moved on to other targets. Tottenham, who were linked with Iraola, have now appointed Roberto De Zerbi on a five-year contract. Manchester United has yet to make a final decision on their next head coach, with Michael Carrick currently in post until the summer. Speculation surrounding Eddie Howe's future at Newcastle has led to Iraola becoming the favorite to take over at St James' Park, according to some bookies. Howe stated last week that he is 100% committed to Newcastle but acknowledged that it is challenging to look beyond the current season. Bournemouth's remaining fixtures include games against Newcastle, Leeds United, Crystal Palace, Fulham, Manchester City, and Nottingham Forest. Fans can play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k by entering for free.