For a while, they believed the Champions League was possible, but there was to be no fairytale finale for Andoni Iraola.
The report indicates that “We’re all going on a European tour,” chanted the Bournemouth fans.
It further notes that for a while, they believed the Champions League was possible, but there was to be no fairytale finale for Andoni Iraola.
Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Nottingham Forest still took Bournemouth into Europe as the Spaniard leaves having transformed the Cherries during three years in charge.
He took over when Bournemouth had finished 15th in 2022-23, something that was deemed a success after Gary O’Neil replaced Scott Parker following a 9-0 loss to Liverpool just four games in.
Yet they end this campaign sixth in the Premier League to earn a place in next season’s Europa League, with Iraola having guided them to the next level.
Iraola announced in April he was leaving with the Cherries unable to agree a new deal, despite their desire for the 43-year-old to stay.
Former RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose was indicated as his successor and the man charged with the responsibility to continue the Cherries’ rise.
After reaching the Europa League, Iraola, who was applauded off by the Forest fans, has given his replacement the perfect platform.
“The Champagne is in the changing room, we were celebrating as we should,” he said, having set a new club record in the Premier League with 57 points.
“I enjoyed every second with the fans, with the players, it is so nice to finish like this and to have something to celebrate. I have seen a lot of people who have supported me over the past three years.
“It’s half term for the kids, I will stay in Bournemouth until July. Tomorrow, I will celebrate with the staff, I will go home at least for one week and take my time to make this decision [on what is next].”
It was not always straightforward for the Cherries this season, though, as they endured a two-month spell of 11 Premier League games without a win between November and January, emerging from it with a 3-2 win against Tottenham.
The loss to Arsenal on 3 January left them 15th, seven points adrift of the top six, but the Cherries have not lost since.
They arrived at the City Ground on a club-record 17-game unbeaten run in the top flight, having drawn with Manchester City on Wednesday. This draw extended the record.
