When it comes to evaluating the success of any manager, most probably, the first thing you would think of is how they have rebuilt a team. Throughout the history of football, we have seen tactical geniuses like Pep Guardiola, Sir Alex Ferguson, Arsene Wenger and Jose Mourinho. Andoni Iraola is far less renowned than these coaches, but the Spanish former footballer has done an incredible job at Bournemouth, turning the struggling side into contenders for the European competitions.
The Making of a Manager
The former Bilbao player is loved in his country. As a right-back, Iraola was always praised for his intelligence and solid play in the defence, as well as his leadership qualities. After retiring in 2016, he started managerial duties but was not successful till 2023.
Onto another week 👊 pic.twitter.com/OePKhInviN
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 2, 2025
After Bournemouth let go of Gary O’Neill, the Spaniard took his place. The impact was not visible immediately, but in the 2024/25 season, we started to see what Bournemouth and Iraola are capable of.
Tactics, Approach and Mentality
With his smile and modesty, Antoni Iraola might seem a calm guy, but his intense personality has also earned him a touchline ban this season. He mostly prefers playing with a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 formation. Bournemouth, under his leadership, are fierce at pressing and have the majority of possession in most games.
In Iraola’s system, quick wingers such as Antoine Semenyo and David Brooks have a pivotal role. Midfielders tend to drop deep when building from the back, while the full-backs push forward. The Spaniard wants his players to be physically agile and tactically smart.
Antoine 👊🇬🇭 pic.twitter.com/XMqc6vsOz0
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 1, 2025
One of the interesting stats this season can be attributed to shots. In almost every game, Bournemouth have over 15 shots and they also allow their opponents to play freely in the attack.
Kluivert, Outtara and Kerkez Factor
Justin Kluivert, the son of famous Dutch striker Patrick Kluivert, played in the Dutch, Italian, French, and German leagues before he landed in Bournemouth. However, under Iraola’s management, his talents have come to full fruition. The 25-year-old currently has 11 goals in the Premier League and already amassed two hattricks this season.
Let’s go, JK 👌 pic.twitter.com/nHLAExk2EK
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 1, 2025
After selling Dominic Solanke, fears started to circulate that the club would have problems with the offence. But in the meantime, Dango Outtara has become the go-to forward for the club, and while he does not score frequently, his role at the club is massive.
You may think Milos Kerkez does not fit amidst the forwards, but the Hungarian left-back has been instrumental after arriving from AZ Alkmaar in 2023. He is agile, fast and can play energetically both in the defence and the offence.
Beating Top Opposition in the Premier League
One of the major trademarks of Andoni Iraola’s team has been their performance against top-tier opponents. In the 2024/25 season, Bournemouth managed to beat Man City at home (2-1), Arsenal (2-0), Nottingham (5-0) and Manchester at Old Trafford (0-3). They could have won against Chelsea as well but a last-minute goal from Reece James salvaged a draw for Bournemouth.
Focus 🔛 pic.twitter.com/m7kaL2eRUc
— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) February 1, 2025
Liverpool are the only side they failed to overcome but even against them, the club had plenty of real chances. Nevertheless, no one would anticipate them to compete with current leaders Liverpool.
What does the Future look like for Bournemouth?
For now, everything goes smoothly for the Cherries. The team currently sit seventh in the Premier League table, three points away from fourth-placed Chelsea. If they manage to qualify for the Champions League, it will be a massive success for the club, especially considering the competition.
Andoni Iraola is already loved at Bournemouth. He has done an immense job for the club and his status will rise even more, following his achievements in the Premier League.
