Andoni Iraola to Depart Bournemouth as Club Shortlists Successors

Bournemouth's head coach Andoni Iraola will leave the club at the end of the season. Former RB Salzburg and Borussia Dortmund manager Marco Rose is among the three candidates shortlisted to replace Iraola. Iraola's contract expires in three months, and he has rejected multiple offers to extend his stay due to interest from his former club Athletic Club and other Premier League teams. With six games remaining, Iraola will depart after a record-breaking three-year tenure on the south coast. "The time has come for me to step aside," he stated on the club's website. His final home match will be against Manchester City on May 17. Bournemouth made every effort to persuade Iraola to stay but respects his decision. The club had been searching for a new head coach in the background and has identified three top candidates. Currently 11th in the league, Bournemouth could still qualify for their first European competition. Iraola has been a popular figure since his appointment in June 2023, implementing an attacking style of football. He will leave as one of the Premier League's most sought-after coaching prospects. Athletic Club is interested in bringing Iraola back as their new head coach, while other clubs like Crystal Palace and Tottenham have also been linked to him. Iraola spent 12 years with Athletic Club and played over 500 games for the team.