Bournemouth's European Dream a 'Perfect Ending,' Says Departing Manager Iraola

Bournemouth's remarkable journey culminated in a sixth-place Premier League finish, securing qualification for the Europa League – a historic first for the club. Departing manager Andoni Iraola hailed the achievement as a "perfect ending" to his tenure, admitting that European qualification once seemed an almost impossible dream.

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I am quite hard but I have been really close (to tears). I cannot ask for much more.

Iraola, who announced his departure in April after taking charge in 2023, oversaw a significant transformation of the team. The 43-year-old Spaniard expressed deep gratitude for being part of this moment with the players and the club. Bournemouth's ascent is particularly striking, considering they were in the third tier of English football just 13 years ago. This historic qualification marks a new chapter for the club, demonstrating a dramatic rise through the ranks of English football.

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I have been so lucky to be in this moment with this group of players with this club. I think it is the perfect ending and I am so thankful.

Upon his arrival, Iraola's primary objective was not immediate European qualification but rather to instill a new style of play. He was tasked with reshaping the team's approach to be more offensive and proactive, a vision that attracted him to the club. While he acknowledged the owner's desire for European football from the outset, Iraola's initial focus was on implementing this strategic shift. He noted that achieving European qualification was not part of his initial expectations but became a tangible goal as the season progressed.

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I had no idea (about reaching Europe when joining).

Finishing the season with 57 points from 13 wins out of 38 matches, Bournemouth's success is a testament to their improved performance and strategic execution under Iraola. The manager's satisfaction stems from delivering on multiple fronts: fulfilling the owner's ambition, rewarding the fans, and providing a memorable conclusion for the players. This achievement serves as a significant way of thanking everyone associated with the club for their support throughout his tenure.

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The first thing from the club was more than the results, changing the style, changing the approach, being more offensive and proactive – that's why they signed me.