Iraola: My decision to leave Bournemouth is not linked to another club

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has addressed his impending departure from the club at the end of the season, stating he remains uncertain about his next career move. The 43-year-old Spaniard announced on Tuesday that he would leave the Cherries after three years at the helm of the south coast club.

“The decision wasn't made because of another club. There is no other club involved; I simply had to decide whether to continue here or not. I don't know what I'll be doing next season. I don't know if I'll be coaching a club or a national team, if I'll be on this continent, or even if I'll be coaching at all. I have no idea what will happen. I'm not in a hurry to decide now. I made a big decision for myself at this moment. Now I want to focus on the last six games. They will be important for us. There will be plenty of time for reflection,” Iraola stated at a pre-Premier League round press conference, as reported by Sky Sports.

The manager guided Bournemouth to a ninth-place finish last season, and the team currently sits 11th in the table. This Saturday, they face a crucial away fixture against 14th-placed Newcastle, a match that could significantly impact the European qualification spots for the next campaign.

“This decision took me a long time and wasn't easy. Throughout the season, I've been discussing this situation with the club's management, and they were aware it might happen. There isn't always one clear reason. The decision I made was perhaps because I didn't want to lose the sense of satisfaction after these three seasons. You always try to imagine a possible fourth or fifth season, and that takes a lot out of you. We, as human beings, get tired of seeing the same thing. I suppose this is the right moment to end this journey, which has been very special for me,” the Spaniard added.