Did Iraola jump the gun before realising European chances?
[BBC] [Getty Images] As the Premier League season draws to a close, Andoni Iraola will no doubt be preparing to bring the curtain down on his time at Vitality Stadium against Manchester City on 19 May - his final home game in charge. After nearly three years managing on the south coast, having replaced Gary O'Neil in June 2023, the Spaniard has just two games left before heading for the exit door. The 43-year-old's dream finale would be securing the club's first taste of European football - but, as that becomes an increasingly likely possibility, will his departure be a case of a job well done or leave a sense of unfinished business?
Bournemouth had been determined to keep him at the club, despite his contract expiring this summer, but talks over a new deal were unsuccessful . In an interview with BBC Radio Solent last month, Iraola confirmed the club "tried to do everything" to keep him and insisted he had "no clue" if he will be coaching elsewhere next season. "They had a formal offer in December," he said.
"The seasons I've been here, I've been so satisfied that I almost don't want to risk it. "I feel full of energy. It isn't that I am exhausted, I am more motivated to finish this season, but sometimes you have to choose well the moment to leave a place.
" As of 31 December 2025, around the time when the two parties held talks, Bournemouth were 15th in the table on 23 points, five points off the Premier League's standard European spots. As of 14 April 2026, the day Iraola announced he would be leaving, the Cherries were 11th on 45 points, just two points off the usual allotted European places. So, with European football seemingly always within touching distance, some might be wondering why Iraola chose this season to step away from a project he has nurtured.
BBC Sport revealed that his family's desire to return to Spain was factored into his decision, amid talk of a return to former side Athletic Club. However, the La Liga side have since appointed a new head coach in Edin Terzic and Bournemouth have announced Marco Rose as their new boss for the 2026-27 campaign. Do you feel Iraola might have jumped the gun a little bit?