Iraola says now is 'right moment to step away' from Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth will begin the search for a new manager after Andoni Iraola confirmed he will leave when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing a dramatic close to a tenure that has redefined the club’s Premier League standing.

The 43-year-old Spaniard, appointed in 2023 after succeeding Gary O’Neil, told supporters on Tuesday that “this is the right moment for me to step away,” ending weeks of speculation over his future. Iraola’s announcement comes on the back of Saturday’s eye-catching 2-1 victory at league leaders Arsenal, a result that underlined the upward trajectory he has engineered on the south coast.

During his two-year spell, Iraola guided Bournemouth to their joint-highest top-flight finish of ninth in 2023-24, amassing a club-record 56 points and steering the Cherries to an FA Cup quarter-final. Those achievements have elevated expectations inside the Vitality Stadium and attracted admiring glances from some of Europe’s heavyweight clubs.

In a statement released by the club, Iraola expressed gratitude to everyone who supported his project. “It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together,” he said. “I’m thankful to the players and staff that I’ve worked with, as well as Bill [Foley], who have all made my time here so special. As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.”

Chairman Bill Foley reciprocated the praise, highlighting the transformative impact of Iraola’s methods. “Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons,” Foley said. “He brought intensity, innovation, and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch. We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished.”

Bournemouth had hoped to retain their head coach and entered negotiations over an extension, but discussions failed to yield fresh terms. The club also confirmed that fitness coach Pablo de la Torre will depart in the summer, signalling a wider back-room overhaul.

Iraola’s impending exit sets up a tantalising finale to the campaign. With six matches remaining, Bournemouth sit 11th, just two points behind seventh place, which could yield a maiden European adventure through the Conference League. The manager’s final home outing is scheduled for Sunday, 17 May, against Manchester City, before a season-ending trip to Nottingham Forest.

The Basque coach’s reputation as one of Europe’s most progressive tacticians has fuelled reports linking him with a return to Athletic Bilbao, where he spent 12 years and made more than 500 appearances as a player. Manchester United have also been mentioned as potential suitors, despite the resurgence overseen by interim boss Michael Carrick at Old Trafford.

For now, Iraola’s focus remains on capping his Bournemouth reign with a historic push into continental competition, ensuring his farewell resonates long after the final whistle on the south coast.