Bournemouth

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  1. Gossip: Contenders to replace Iraola at Bournemouthpublished at 07:21 BST 15 April

    Gossip graphic

    Bournemouth forward Junior Kroupi and defender Marcos Senesi are being monitored by Manchester United. (Mail - subscription needed, external)

    The Cherries are considering Rayo Vallecano boss Inigo Perez, Coventry City manager Frank Lampard and Ipswich Town boss Kieran McKenna as they plan for life after Andoni Iraola. (i Sport, external)

    Unattached German manager Marco Rose, whose most recent job was at RB Leipzig, is thought to be the leading contender to replace the outgoing Bournemouth boss. (Guardian, external)

    Want more transfer stories? Read Wednesday's full gossip column

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  2. Man City v Arsenal: Who do you want to win?published at 07:18 BST 15 April

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    Pep Guardiola and Mikel ArtetaImage source, Getty Images

    Two Premier League heavyweights are set to face each other this weekend at Etihad Stadium, as Manchester City host Arsenal.

    Both teams go into the fixture with different targets. For Mikel Arteta's side, it is about extending their lead at the top of the table. For Pep Guardiola's side, it is about closing the gap and keeping themselves in the title race.

    It is a fixture being labelled a title decider by some, so we want to know who you want to win this Sunday's match.

    Will you be cheering on the Citizens or getting behind the Gunners?

    Make your selection

  3. Iraola's time in charge must be 'foundation for sustained progress'published at 18:29 BST 14 April

    Tom Jordan
    Fan writer

    Bournemouth fan's voice banner
    Andoni Iraola wavingImage source, Getty Images

    The news all Bournemouth fans feared has been announced and Andoni Iraola will indeed be leaving the club at the end of the season.

    While it remains to be seen what his next destination will be, the Bournemouth hierarchy will undoubtedly be working to find his replacement as soon as possible.

    The immediate mood among Cherries fans is that of being gutted. Iraola's three seasons at Vitality Stadium have been an unqualified success, transforming the Cherries from a side fighting for survival into a consistent, high-pressing Premier League side capable of punching above their weight.

    His departure will undoubtedly spark concern for the Cherries' supporters, but it also offers a moment to reflect on just how impactful his tenure has been on the south coast.

    When Iraola arrived from Rayo Vallecano, there was more intrigue than expectation. Could his clear identity and intense pressing style could translate to the Premier League? Those doubts were quickly put to bed as he elevated Bournemouth into one of the most aggressive and tactically coherent sides outside the traditional elite. Plenty of impactful results and performances soon demonstrated that Iraola's Bournemouth was no longer a team merely aiming to survive, but to thrive.

    Replacing a manager of Iraola's calibre will be no easy task, but it will be one which the club's hierarchy would have been methodically planning. This is both an ending and a beginning for the club, with Iraola leaving behind not just league-high finishes and improved results in general, but a cultural shift in how the team plays and competes.

    The challenge now is ensuring that his legacy is not a fleeting moment, but the foundation for sustained progress in the Premier League.

    Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

  4. 'He took our small club to cosmic heights'published at 16:06 BST 14 April

    Your Bournemouth opinions banner
    Andoni IraolaImage source, Getty Images

    We asked for your thoughts on Bournemouth announcing that Andoni Iraola will be leaving the club at the end of the season.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Charl: Andoni, thank you. I've been an avid supporter of Bournemouth since my first game in 1966 and this is, without exception, our finest period. You proved that playing the ball forward is the way to win against the top clubs. Now we must not go backwards off the pitch, we need a proven coach such as Steve Holland.

    James: Sad day, he has done amazing things for us. Could do worse than Inigo Perez as his replacement to continue playing in the same style. Mind you, De Zerbi ought to be free in a few games' time.

    Leon: Gutted! That's the only word that described how I felt on getting this news. The best up-and-coming manager in the country, maybe even Europe, and little old Bournemouth had him. So sad, I don't know who can replace him, but our recruitment team is great, so let's trust them and get behind the whole team.

    Wing: Gutted, gutted, gutted! From the very first game when I could see what Andoni was doing and the team started to imprint themselves in a 0-0 home draw against Chelsea, to the incredible height of winning the second Premier League game in a row at the Emirates. Unbeaten runs and all, he took our small club to cosmic heights. I will never be thankful enough of Andoni! Go and do it at a huge football club now - you deserve it, gaffer!

    Malcolm: Absolutely gutted to be honest. I would have liked him to sign another two-year deal but I guess he has family to think of and I believe he will head back to Spain. A big, big thank you, Andoni for taking us to the levels achieved over the time you were here. We have seen some awesome games and certainly a lot of chaotic football. A sad day for the club but as our motto says, 'Together anything is possible'.

    Dom: Gutted that Iraola is leaving the club. Would love us to appoint Filipe Luis. He was brilliant at Flamengo and I think he would be perfect for us.

    Jason H: He's been a great manager for Bournemouth - it's been an exhilarating couple of years. Such pragmatic and positive football. I wish him all the best. I just hope he doesn't go to Palace!

    Peter: Straight swap then - Iraola to Newcastle and Howe (back) to Bournemouth?

  5. Iraola tops Cherries' Premier League listpublished at 16:04 BST 14 April

    Prudent Nsengiyumva
    BBC Sport journalist

    Bournemouth's manager record in the Premier League.
Andoni Iraola 108 games, 35.2 win percentage.
Eddie Howe 190 games, 29.5 win percentage.
Gary O'Neil 34 games, 29.4 win percentage.
Scott Parker 4 games, 25 win percentage.

    Andoni Iraola has delivered Bournemouth's strongest managerial return in the Premier League.

    His points-per-game ratio and win percentage both rank highest among Cherries managers in the top flight, above what Eddie Howe managed during his longer tenure and the shorter spells of Scott Parker and Gary O'Neil.

    His win percentage of 35.2% exceeds all previous Bournemouth top-flight spells.

    The improvement is modest but meaningful in context. Some previous Bournemouth sides were largely built to survive in the Premier League, often spending extended periods defending deep and without the ball.

    Under the Spanish coach, results have ticked up alongside a clear stylistic shift, with Bournemouth playing more proactively and assertively than at any previous point in their Premier League history.

  6. 'The right moment to step away'published at 15:45 BST 14 April

    Andoni Iraola

    Andoni Iraola says he will always have "fantastic memories" of his three seasons at Bournemouth but the end of the season is the "right moment to step away" from his role in charge of the Cherries.

    "It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together," said Iraola in a statement on the club website, external confirming his summer exit.

    "I'm thankful to the players and staff that I've worked with, as well as Bill [Foley, chairman], who have all made my time here so special.

    "As for the fans, you have continued to show your fantastic support to myself and the team, and for that I will always be grateful.

    "I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club."

    Foley added: "Andoni has been instrumental in shaping the direction of this football club over the past three seasons.

    "He brought intensity, innovation and a clear philosophy that elevated AFC Bournemouth both on and off the pitch.

    "We are incredibly thankful for his leadership and will always have great memories of our time working together, as well as the things we accomplished."

  7. 'Bournemouth moved heaven and earth to convince Iraola'published at 14:08 BST 14 April

    Nizaar Kinsella
    Football reporter

    Head Coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth at Vitality Stadium.Image source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth moved heaven and earth to convince Andoni Iraola to stay on as manager but were ultimately unable to reach an agreement.

    For 15 months, senior figures at the club held both formal and informal discussions with Iraola about what it would take for him to remain in the role.

    It was not about money, nor was there any frustration with the club's sporting direction on the south coast.

    The feeling was that Iraola wanted to delay his decision for as long as possible, as he had done at previous clubs. He was also known to be placing significant weight on his family's wishes, with growing links to the vacant post at Athletic Club in his native Basque Country.

    Iraola, for those unfamiliar with his playing career, is regarded as one of the top 10 greatest players in Athletic Club's history. The Bilbao-based club are well financed, despite operating a long-standing policy of only selecting local players.

    It is a blow for the Cherries, but there are no hard feelings towards Iraola, given the close personal relationships that exist at all levels of the club.

    Furthermore, Bournemouth have had ample time to plan for his succession knowing his contract was running out and this was the possible outcome of the painstaking time taken to make his final call.

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  8. Iraola to leave Bournemouthpublished at 14:03 BST 14 April

    Sami Mokbel and Nizaar Kinsella
    BBC Sport

    Andoni IraolaImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola will leave the club this summer.

    The Spaniard joined the club in 2023, replacing then head coach Gary O'Neil.

    But his contract expires this summer and sources have told BBC Sport that talks over a new deal were unsuccessful.

    Bournemouth had been determined to keep Iraola at the club but were unable to reach an agreement with the 43-year-old.

    It means the Spaniard, one of the most highly-rated coaches in Europe, will leave the Cherries for free at the end of the campaign.

    Sources close to the matter have told BBC Sport that Iraola has communicated to Bournemouth that he has not finalised his next move despite talk of a return to Spanish side Athletic Bilbao.

    Iraola spent 12 years at the Basque club as a player, making over 400 appearances for the club.

    His family's desire to return to Spain is understood to be among the factors Iraola has considered when coming to his decision.

    This is your Bournemouth page. If you're on the BBC Sport app, hit the bell icon and select news notifications so we can send you the best Cherries content. If you're signed into the BBC on a browser, press follow and you'll see more club content when you visit the site.

  9. 'Scott plays with composure well beyond his years'published at 10:49 BST 14 April

    Tom Jordan
    Fan writer

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    Alex ScottImage source, Getty Images

    When Bournemouth brought in Alex Scott from Bristol City in 2023, it felt like it could be a real statement signing. It was clear that this wasn't just a talented youngster, but a player with the tools to develop into at the very least a well-established Premier League midfielder - and boy has he!

    Before his move to the Cherries, Scott had already built a reputation as one of England's most exciting young midfielders, a player many that believed had a remarkably high ceiling from the off.

    This season, in particular, has felt like a real turning point for Scott. After an injury-disrupted first year or so at the club, 2025-26 definitely feels like the campaign where he has truly arrived.

    He has become a near ever-present in a competitive midfield area for the Cherries, playing over 2,000 league minutes and establishing himself as one of the first names on the teamsheet.

    Despite his age, Scott always plays with composure well beyond his years, showing an ability to receive the ball under pressure, glide past opponents and carry possession through midfield with purpose.

    What has elevated him even further is how he's managing to influence games beyond just the raw numbers. While his return of goals and assists may remain somewhat modest, his overall performance level has been consistently high, with strong match ratings and underlying metrics that highlight his consistent contribution to the team.

    Alex isn't just fitting into the Premier League but he's now shaping games within it and becoming one of the most impressive midfielders in the top flight. England and Thomas Tuchel may have lots of options to consider, but there is no doubt for me that Alex would add something to the current England group.

    Keep a seat for him on the plane I say!

    Find more from Tom Jordan at Back of the Net, external

  10. Partington still has 'hope' Iraola will stay at clubpublished at 08:06 BST 14 April

    Head coach Andoni Iraola of Bournemouth during the Premier League match between Arsenal and BournemouthImage source, Getty Images

    Andoni Iraola's future has dominated headlines for the last few months with no clarity from either Bournemouth or the man himself over whether he will renew his contract, which expires at the end of the season.

    Speaking on the Cherries Unpicked podcast, former Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington says he still has "hope" that Iraola will decide to stay at the Vitality Stadium beyond this season, despite not committing his future yet.

    "The conversations would certainly have happened and if you were going to [sign a contract], by now surely you would have.

    "I still hold out hope because he's not said he's not going to stay. It's not over until the fat lady sings, I suppose, and the Bournemouth fans will hold out hope because they've not had any news that it could still mean it's positive. I think in these situations, historically, no news is bad news."

    When asked about the Bournemouth boss being linked to Premier League rivals, Partington said: "They're in direct competition with those clubs. The Fulhams, the Crystal Palaces, the Brightons, for example, are the clubs that are in that bracket that are hoping to achieve consistent European qualification in the Premier League.

    "They find good players, they sell their players for more and Bournemouth are very much in that bracket. And they're very much, off the back of this result, in the conversation for a European place, which would be epic."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

    Explore more Bournemouth content on BBC Sounds

  11. Senesi open to Premier League movepublished at 14:16 BST 13 April

    Nizaar Kinsella
    Football reporter

    Marcos Senesi reacts to an incident on the pitch in the win at ArsenalImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth defender Marcos Senesi is increasingly exploring his options for a move to a Premier League rival.

    The 28-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season, meaning he has been permitted to speak to clubs in Europe about a potential free transfer since 1 January.

    However, several European clubs, including reportedly Juventus, have shown serious interest without yet agreeing a pre-contract deal.

    This has led to renewed openness from Senesi's camp to consider a move within the Premier League, with Chelsea, Manchester United and relegation-threatened Tottenham also linked.

    Blues boss Liam Rosenior has also hinted at adding a more physical defender to his squad in the summer and it is understood that he isn't the right option for the world champions' requirements.

    Sources at Bournemouth expect Senesi to leave on a free transfer, despite the club having made three contract offers in an attempt to keep him.

    He remains a valuable member of head coach Andoni Iraola's side and started the 2-1 win at Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

    This is your Bournemouth page. If you're on the BBC Sport app, hit the bell icon and select news notifications so we can send you the best Cherries content. If you're signed into the BBC on a browser, press follow and you'll see more club content when you visit the site.

  12. Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth - the fans' verdictpublished at 12:21 BST 13 April

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    We asked for your thoughts after Saturday's Premier League game between Arsenal and Bournemouth.

    Here are some of your comments:

    Arsenal fans

    David: I'm afraid this is the norm from Arsenal. They never fail to disappoint and frustrate. I can't understand how a team can go from brilliant to pathetic in such a short time. I'm a lifelong Arsenal fan and I guess should be used to this by now.

    Steve: Sadly, I feel it'll be another trophyless season for Arsenal. Our team don't look confident and look devoid of ideas. We've lost that cutting edge and even our set pieces seem fruitless now.

    Mike: I'm a lifelong Arsenal fan. Yes we have injuries, but that is no excuse. The players out on the pitch are good enough to win any game. Now playing with so much fear we seem to have forgotten what got us to the top in the first place! Start playing like you want to win the game rather than playing like you are afraid to lose.

    John: I was at the game. It was a tactical nightmare for Arteta. No balls through the middle and the wide men in space were left hopelessly waiting. Worrying times. But, there's still hope. We have the squad, but it all falls back on how Arteta can react. I'm not convinced.

    Toby: Once again, capitulation, across the board. Being an Arsenal fan is to know heartbreak.

    Bournemouth fans

    Simon: Very strong performance, great to see Cherries playing after so long it seems and getting more than one point. Deserved win because the press was so dominant and effective. Tactically Arteta was outplayed by Iraola. Unbeaten run is incredible and furthered again. UP THE CHERRIES.

    Bob: A three week break towards the end of season is a real bonus. Tough matches against top teams is a real drain on physical strength with a tired Arsenal performance against a fresh Cherries. Can we make it 13 unbeaten?

    Nigel: This was no fluke, no hit and run. We were the better team and looked more dangerous going forward. Alex Scott was immense - again! Proud to be a Cherry!

    Malcolm: What a solid team performance from the Cherries. A suberb winner from Alex Scott after some lovely play from David Brooks. Obviously the talk will be about how poor Arsenal were, but the truth is they didn't have the same passion and energy as a Bournemouth team on a 12-game unbeaten run. Proud to be a Cherries fan.

    Sara Jane: Bournemouth were brilliant. Just praying our manager will stay.

  13. Iraola has Bournemouth 'punching above their weight'published at 10:53 BST 13 April

    Andoni Iraola celebrates after his side's win against Arsenal.Image source, Getty Images

    The Telegraph's Luke Edwards says Bournemouth were "absolutely spot on" in their impressive away win over league leaders Arsenal and the job head coach Andoni Iraola is doing is "truly remarkable".

    The win at the Emirates Stadium saw the Cherries extend their unbeaten run in the Premier League to 12 games (five wins, seven draws) - their longest ever in the competition.

    Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live's Football Daily, Edwards said: "What Iraola has done, to lose your back four last summer and they also had a bad run this season, a really tough run and you're thinking Iraola hasn't signed a contract. He is going to be very much in demand in the summer because of the job he has done and it is a truly remarkable job.

    "They were absolutely spot on. They played on the fear and anxiety of Arsenal because they got up into their faces really quickly. They closed them down. They didn't give them any respite. No easy passes. They kept the constant pressure on and that played on the vulnerability of Arsenal as well, mentally, I think.

    "They have been brilliant for a number of years, a club that has punched above their weight for a number of years. I just wonder about the manager at the end of the season. There's going to be changes in the Premier League. He is going to be in demand because of the excellent work he's done."

    Listen to the full episode on BBC Sounds

  14. 🎧'2-1 again ole... ole'published at 19:13 BST 11 April

    Jordan Clark and former Bournemouth midfielder Joe Partington reflect on a huge win for the Cherries at Premier League leaders Arsenal.

    Listen below or on BBC Sounds here - and don't forget to subscribe to get each episode into your My Sounds feed.

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    Explore all Bournemouth content on BBC Sounds

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  15. Arsenal 1-2 Bournemouth: What Iraola saidpublished at 15:35 BST 11 April

    Media caption,

    Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola told BBC Sport after Bournemouth's win over Arsenal: "We showed great personality to play in a big game and a big stadium. We've been at the level of the game. I'm very happy for the players."

    On 22 days without a game: "You are worried you lose the intensity of the competition. We started really well. We recovered some players. Physically we sustained the level of the game. We finished strong. We were coming from a lot of draws in a row.

    "Alex [Scott] has been like this for many months. He was amazing today. He's in such good form. I'm so happy for him. He's worked a lot to be at this level.

    "Defensively apart from the penalty we defended those [set-piece] situations. We were quite brave. A complete performance.

    "It's a matter of growing into the game. We had very good spells on the ball. We were finding good gaps in the middle."

    On their European hopes: "It's difficult for us but it's true that we are not far. There are many teams in a good run without losing. Whoever gets the final two spots will finish in a big run of games."

    You can hear more from Iraola and listen to Alex Scott's post-match interview on BBC Sounds

    Did you know?

    • Bournemouth extended their Premier League unbeaten run to 12 games (five wins, seven draws), their outright longest ever streak in the competition.

    • Only Pep Guardiola (seven) and Jürgen Klopp (four) have recorded more wins against Mikel Arteta in the Premier League than Bournemouth's Andoni Iraola (three).

  16. Analysis: Fresh Cherries show value of confidencepublished at 15:22 BST 11 April

    Alex Howell
    Football reporter

    Alex Scott celebrates with his Bournemouth teammatesImage source, Getty Images

    Bournemouth came into this match after three weeks without a game and looked much the fresher side as they took on a jaded Arsenal, whose efforts in knockout football look to have taken a toll.

    The visitors are managed by the excellent Andoni Iraola and his ranks are packed with quality. They have not lost a game since 3 January, and it showed, even though Arsenal were the last side to get the better of them.

    Ryan Christie kept the Cherries ticking over in midfield and it was his pass that opened up the Arsenal defence for the opening goal.

    Bournemouth's full-backs, Alex Jimenez and Adrien Truffert, are full of running and provided the width and attacking threat for their side which Arsenal could not shut off throughout the game.

    Victory moves Bournemouth up to ninth place, just four points off the Champions League positions.

  17. Arsenal v Bournemouth: Team newspublished at 11:35 BST 11 April

    Graphic showing Arsenal line-upImage source, BBC Sport

    Myles Lewis-Skelly starts in place of Riccardo Calafiori, who is not in the Arsenal squad. There is also no Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka or Jurrien Timber for the Gunners. Eberechi Eze returns to the bench after injury.

    Arsenal starting XI: Raya, White, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly, Rice, Zubimendi, Havertz, Martinelli, Madueke, Gyokeres

    Subs: Arrizabalaga, Mosquera, Hincapie, Jesus, Eze, Norgaard, Trossard, Dowman, Salmon

    Andoni Iraola makes one change to the Bournemouth side that played against Manchester United in their last league game. Junior Kroupi comes in for Amine Adli.

    Bournemouth starting XI: Petrovic, Jimenez, Senesi, Hill, Truffert, Christie, Scott, Tavernier, Kroupi, Rayan, Evanilson

    Subs: Mandas, Adams, Brooks, Gannon-Doak, Smith, Diakite, Adli, Unal, Toth

    Graphic showing Bournemouth line-upImage source, BBC Sport