Andoni Iraola: The One Who Repeatedly Leaves Arteta Disheartened

This summer is anticipated to see an unusually active shuffle in coaching roles, and given the news that Andoni Iraola will depart Bournemouth at season's end, the Spanish manager will attract significant attention.

If Iraola had already proven his capabilities in Spain, he further elevated his stature by managing in the English Premier League. Under Iraola's guidance, Bournemouth became one of the most watchable teams in the Premier League over recent seasons, displaying a fiery attacking style alongside impressive results.

Andoni Iraola Impresses at Bournemouth

His points-per-game ratio and win rate are both the highest among Bournemouth's managers in the top-flight league, surpassing even Eddie Howe, Scott Parker, and Gary O'Neil.

His overall win rate of 35.2% also far exceeds other predecessors at the club. Most recently, they delivered a heavy blow to the title race with a convincing 2-1 victory over Arsenal right at the Emirates Stadium. In the last four encounters with Arteta, Iraola has won three.

Bournemouth appointed Iraola in June 2023, when he was still an unfamiliar name to many. However, signs of his success had emerged earlier, first with the small Spanish club Mirandés, where he led them to the Copa del Rey semifinals for the second time in their 92-year history.

Then at Rayo Vallecano, where Iraola built a football style far exceeding the stature of a club with the lowest budget in La Liga.

Bournemouth saw those achievements and brought Iraola to the Premier League, despite the fierce backlash from sacking Gary O'Neil. Rarely has a Premier League club's decision to change managers been proven so correct.

One person who understands this move is Pep Guardiola. "Andoni is a talented coach, highly respected in Spain and has achieved extraordinary things at Rayo Vallecano," Pep shared.

"Bournemouth are playing an engaging, attacking style of football. What I see is a team full of vitality, a collective with excellent spirit and never backing down," the Manchester City manager noted.

In his first season at the club, Bournemouth finished with a record 48 points, placing 12th. He continued to break through in the 2024/25 season with 56 points and a 9th-place finish. Even after losing a host of talents in the summer with transfer values reaching £200 million, their upward momentum did not stop.

Many Clubs Will Seek Iraola

"I prefer excessive chaos over excessive organization. I like playing at high speed, even if that means being a bit rushed, rather than playing slowly for a bit more control," Coach Iraola once shared about his philosophy.

In a football landscape many consider increasingly dull and lacking entertainment, Iraola wants to ensure his team does not disappoint the fans.

This summer will see a series of clubs changing managers. Regardless, Iraola's name will certainly be on the sought-after candidate list. Sports Illustrated listed eight potential destinations for Iraola, besides Athletic Bilbao, including Real Madrid, Liverpool, Atalanta, Tottenham, Chelsea, Manchester United, and Crystal Palace.

Among them, Crystal Palace is seen as the most realistic option. Regarding Liverpool, it depends on Arne Slot's future.

Meanwhile, Athletic Bilbao is also highly rated. Iraola grew from their youth academy, dedicating 12 seasons with over 500 matches.

Athletic Bilbao is expected to try to lure Iraola back after Ernesto Valverde announced his departure. The Basque club has a core of young talents who haven't reached their true potential, and Iraola has proven he can thrive with such a squad.

Iraola's stature has soared like a kite catching the wind in England, and it wouldn't be surprising if he stays, especially when the traditional "Big Six" are expected to have major changes in their managerial seats.

Iraola has affirmed his talent in the Premier League, so many clubs will eye him. His style is also extremely suited to the modern Premier League: physical, fast, yet very technical.

Pressing and relentless running are the core of Iraola's style. Full-backs are required to push high in attack while maintaining defensive awareness. Central midfielders must press, forcing opponents to lose the ball in their own half and feeding the wing players, who also play a key role in encircling opponents. That is the energy many clubs seek to revive stagnant teams. It wouldn't be surprising if Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, or Tottenham approach Iraola. It can be said that the race for Iraola's signature will be extremely exciting this summer.