“I don’t believe in long-term goals!” Get to know one of the coaches of the season, Bournemouth’s Iraola
Mar 12, 2025
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David Craig interviews Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth's successful manager known for his innovative approach to football. Iraola shares his unique perspective on avoiding long-term goals and adapting his coaching from Spain to the Premier League. He reflects on the club's warm atmosphere, his preference for cinema over concerts, and his literary admiration for Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. The conversation also touches on his coaching superstitions and the importance of team culture in their current stellar season.
Andoni Iraola quickly adapted his coaching style to align with English players' training habits, enhancing Bournemouth's performance in the Premier League.
Iraola values the supportive community and familial atmosphere in Bournemouth, which has significantly contributed to his sense of belonging and well-being.
Deep dives
Andoni Iriola's Journey to Bournemouth
Andoni Iriola, the current manager of Bournemouth, embarked on his coaching journey with a notable background, having previously played at a high level in commendable clubs. He joined Bournemouth in the summer of 2023, taking over from Gary O'Neill, and was initially a relatively unknown figure in English football. Despite this, Iriola quickly adapted and implemented his football philosophy, significantly enhancing the team's performance. Under his direction, Bournemouth has reached new heights in the Premier League, and he expressed excitement about the challenge of managing in one of the most competitive leagues in the world.
Cultural Adaptation and Community Engagement
Iriola discussed the cultural transition he faced moving from Spain to Bournemouth, particularly regarding training methodologies and player expectations. He found that English players had different training habits, and he had to adjust his management style to align with them. In addition to these professional shifts, Iriola expressed his appreciation for the close-knit community surrounding Bournemouth, emphasizing the importance of connection with fans and staff. This familial atmosphere has allowed him to feel settled and valued in his role, forging strong bonds with supporters and creating a sense of belonging.
Bournemouth's Competitive Spirit
Bournemouth has shown remarkable progress under Iriola's leadership, elevating their competitive standing in the Premier League and reaching the quarterfinals of the FA Cup. The team's focus has been on maintaining high performance, which has drawn attention from other clubs and analysts alike. Iriola stressed the balance of targeting both league success and cup advancement, asserting that doing well in both competitions is feasible and beneficial. He aims for the club to continue building on their current success while remaining cognizant of the challenges presented by other formidable teams.
Personal Insights and Family Life
Outside the football realm, Iriola shared insights into his personal life, emphasizing his commitment to family and the importance of balancing professional and personal responsibilities. He enjoys spending time with his children and has embraced the slower pace of life in Bournemouth compared to previous cities he has lived in. His fondness for cycling provides a much-needed escape from the pressures of coaching, allowing him to explore the local area. Despite a busy schedule, he values the support of his family and the community, which plays a critical role in his overall well-being.
Whilst Joe’s in Japan, Jules is joined by Sky Sports’ David Craig, who has been to see Bournemouth manager, Andoni Iraola, exclusively for ‘One on One’.
From riding high in the Premier League to the quarter finals of the FA Cup, they’ve had a brilliant season so far.
In a wide-ranging chat, we hear about the Spaniard’s love of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein, his dislike of music concerts and his hopes for the rest of this season!
As well as listening to the podcast, look out for our interviews on the Sky Sports Premier League YouTube channel, on Sky Sports News and on skysports.com.
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