Image source: Getty ImagesByAdwaidh RajanBBC Sports journalist2 hours ago184 commentsAny suggestion that Andoni Iraola was distracted by his decision to leave Bournemouth were firmly denied by his players during their statement win against Newcastle. The club confirmed this week that Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth when his contract expires in the summer. This will end a three-year stint as manager. Marcus Tavernier, Cherries winger, told BBC Match of the Day that it had made him want to work harder and finish the season with something special. “He has done so much for this club and its players, it is only fair that we show him the reaction to end off with something we will remember for a very long time.” Iraola continued: “You’re always worried when you have to give this kind news because you don’t know what everyone will react.” I know my players are going to push through until the end. I trust them a lot. Could the 2-1 win over Newcastle have been Iraola’s audition? His latest victory as Bournemouth’s manager has put more pressure on Eddie Howe. The Magpies are now only three points ahead of 15th placed Leeds. Iraola said to BBC Radio Solent that he had no idea what his future held. “I don’t have a clue if I will be coaching next season. I’m not in a hurry to find out. The decision was not affected by any other club. “But one thing’s for sure – the 43 year-old is not going to be out of a job for very long.” The 43-year-old is unlikely to be out of work for long. In his first season he led them to 12th place, achieving then-club-high 48 points. He was rewarded with an extension of his contract until the end 2025-26. The following season the Cherries finished 9th with a new record of 56 points, and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals. This campaign, Iraola placed Bournemouth, who had never played continental soccer, right in the middle of a The Cherries’ run is even more impressive when you consider that key players Dean Huijsen and Milos Kerkez have left the club this season. Illia Zabarnie, Antoine Semenyo, and Illia Zabarnyi are also gone. [embedded text]”He’s been absolutely magnificent,” said former England and Arsenal defender Martin Keown to Final Score. “Let’s not forget how many players left during the summer. These guys have joined. How are they doing it?” His points per match and win percentage are both the highest amongst all Cherries managers. Iraola stated that the club had tried everything. “In December, they made a formal offer. I tried to express my feelings. “I have been so satisfied with the seasons I’ve been here, I don’t want to risk it. It’s not because I’m tired, but I’m more motivated than ever to finish this season. Sometimes you have to pick the right moment to leave a place. “Keown said: “It would have been a shame for him to leave the Premier League. I want him to stay here, I love what he does.” Keown’s wish could still be granted, as many English clubs are currently looking for a new manager. No Semenyo, no problem? How Bournemouth continues to defy odds7 days agoWhich English club could move for him Oliver Glasner, Crystal Palace’s previous manager, had confirmed his departure before Iraola. Iraola was on Palace’s shortlist to replace the Austrian, but it would have taken a major coup for the FA Cup holders if they had managed to secure the Bournemouth manager. There are other Premier League teams that might be interested in Iraola. Michael Carrick, who is serving as interim manager at Manchester United until the end the season, could be looking for a replacement in the summer. Arne Slot, the Dutchman’s successor, has also been under pressure. Chelsea, under new boss Liam Rosenior, have also struggled to impress. Manchester City is also preparing to live without Pep Guardiola. His contract runs until 2027. Recent reports suggest that the club is courting Enzo Maresca, former Chelsea manager, as Guardiola’s replacement. Rory Smith, The Observer’s football correspondent, recently asked: “Where does Iraola sit in terms of City United Liverpool and Chelsea?” I think he will be a contender in all of them. “I think he’d be able to fine-tune the teams.” I think that the principles would stay the same, high-octane, but I suspect that he could adjust it to the team a little bit,” said he to BBC Monday Night Club. And then there is Newcastle. Howe’s reign at Real Madrid is over, and the Magpies have suffered a series of setbacks since then. Iraola is a former player of Athletic Club. Ernesto Valverde, who announced in March that he was leaving the club this summer, is a manager at the club. Iraola, who was born in the Basque Country and played 510 games for the club between 2003 and 2015, has strong ties with the club. “I’ve played there for many years and it was a surprise for me. Ernesto is my biggest football reference. It’s his decision, but I’m not affected by it, except for the supporters. “Smith added: “It is the club where he learnt a lot of footballing principles. Many of his elements come from [Marcelo] Bielsa’s Athletic team. “That job is open, if he wishes to return to Spain. This job will have a huge emotional pull. But the interest from Spain may not be limited to Bilbao. Alvaro Arbeloa replaced the sacked Xabi alonso at Real Madrid. However, the La Liga giants are nine points behind Barcelona with seven games left and were knocked from the Champions League this week by Bayern Munich. The allure of Real Madrid and their star-studded squad could tempt the former Spain full back. Or would he prefer a stint in Germany with Bayer Leverkusen before moving on to bigger names. Iraola is a fascinating character and the story of his journey could be one of the most captivating stories of the summer. [embedded content]What information do we collect from this quiz?Related topicsPremier LeagueBournemouthFootballMore on this storyFollow your club with BBC Sport12 MarchListen to the latest Football Daily podcastGet football news sent straight to your phone16 August 2025