Iraola Leaves, Bournemouth Begin Hunt for New Coach
AFC Bournemouth have confirmed that manager Andoni Iraola will step down at the end of the 2025-26 season of the English Premier League (EPL).
Despite 15 months of negotiations, the 43-year-old Spaniard has opted to leave when his contract expires this summer.
The news was confirmed via the Cherries’ official website on Tuesday, 14 April, with Iraola stating: “It has been an honour to manage AFC Bournemouth and I am proud of what we have achieved together. I feel this is the right moment for me to step away, but I will always carry fantastic memories of this club.”
Iraola’s tenure has been transformative. He evolved the English club into an aggressive, high-pressing side, securing a record points tally and an EPL ninth-place finish last season. His reputation was further bolstered last weekend by a stunning 2-1 victory over league leaders Arsenal, leaving the club currently sitting 11th in the table.
The search for a successor is already underway. Marco Rose is considered a frontrunner; the 49-year-old former RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund coach is currently a free agent and reportedly in contact with the board.
Also in the frame is Frank Lampard, who is nearing a Premier League return as he guides Coventry City toward promotion. Other candidates include Ipswich Town’s Kieran McKenna and Rayo Vallecano’s Inigo Perez.
Whoever takes the helm at the Vitality Stadium inherits a squad with a distinct identity and a proven ability to challenge the league’s elite.
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