On June 19, 2023, AFC Bournemouth took a bold step into a new era by appointing Andoni Iraola as their head coach, replacing Gary O’Neil. The 42-year-old Spaniard, fresh from a successful stint at Rayo Vallecano, brought with him a reputation for high-pressing, attacking football and a knack for overachieving with underdog teams. Over the past two seasons, Iraola has not only solidified Bournemouth’s place in the Premier League but also shattered club records, igniting dreams of European football among the Cherries’ faithful. Here’s a look at his remarkable tenure so far.
2023-24 Season: A Record-Breaking Debut
Iraola’s first season in English football was a rollercoaster that tested his resilience and tactical acumen. Taking over a squad that had narrowly avoided relegation under O’Neil, the Basque coach faced skepticism after Bournemouth failed to win any of their opening nine Premier League matches. A 6-1 thrashing at Manchester City left the Cherries third from bottom, with external pressure mounting. However, owner Bill Foley’s faith in Iraola proved justified as the team’s fortunes turned dramatically.
Implementing a high-intensity, front-footed style inspired by his mentor Marcelo Bielsa, Iraola transformed Bournemouth into a dynamic, pressing outfit. By April, a 3-0 victory over Brighton secured 48 points, marking Bournemouth’s highest-ever Premier League points tally. The season saw 13 wins and only 15 defeats, both joint-club records for a Premier League campaign. Standout performances included a 3-0 win at Manchester United and a 4-3 thriller against Luton Town, showcasing the team’s attacking flair.
Dominic Solanke emerged as a talisman, scoring 19 Premier League goals, while players like Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez thrived under Iraola’s guidance. Despite a slow start, Bournemouth finished 12th, a testament to Iraola’s ability to adapt his philosophy to the Premier League’s demands. His work earned him a nomination for Manager of the Season and a contract extension until 2026, reflecting the club’s confidence in his vision.
2024-25 Season: Pushing for Europe
Building on the foundations laid in his debut campaign, Iraola elevated Bournemouth to new heights in the 2024-25 season. The Cherries smashed their own points record again, amassing 56 points to finish 9th—their joint-best Premier League finish. With 15 wins, 12 defeats, 58 goals scored, and just 46 conceded, Bournemouth achieved their most successful statistical season in the top flight.
Iraola’s second season was defined by fearless performances against the Premier League’s elite. Bournemouth secured stunning victories over Arsenal (2-0), Manchester City (2-1), Tottenham Hotspur, and Newcastle United (4-1), while also thrashing Nottingham Forest 5-0 and beating Manchester United 3-0 at Old Trafford. These results underscored Iraola’s tactical evolution, particularly his focus on improving against top sides, an area he identified as a weakness from the previous season.
The loss of Solanke to Tottenham for £65 million was a blow, but Iraola’s seamless integration of new signings like Evanilson and Dean Huijsen ensured continuity. Players like Justin Kluivert and Dango Ouatarra stepped up, while Semenyo’s market value soared. Iraola’s ability to improve players—repositioning wingers as defenders or unlocking hidden potential—became a hallmark of his tenure, drawing praise from peers like Pep Guardiola, who hailed Bournemouth’s style as emblematic of modern football.
A club-record 11-game unbeaten run in the Premier League fueled talk of European qualification, a dream that seemed unthinkable for a club in League One just over a decade ago. By April, Bournemouth sat 8th, with a top-seven finish—and potential European football—within reach. Despite a late-season dip, Iraola’s attacking philosophy, characterized by rapid transitions and fierce pressing, captivated fans and neutrals alike.
Looking Ahead
In two seasons, Andoni Iraola has transformed Bournemouth from relegation candidates to European hopefuls, rewriting the club’s history with record-breaking campaigns. His high-octane, player-centric approach has not only delivered results but also redefined Bournemouth’s identity. As the Cherries prepare for the 2025-26 season, the question is no longer whether Iraola can succeed in the Premier League but how far he can take this ambitious club. For now, Bournemouth fans can dream big, knowing they have one of football’s brightest coaches at the helm.
