Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has confirmed he will leave the club at the end of the season but insists his decision was not motivated by the prospect of managing another club, including Premier League rivalsStuart Jamieson Football Content Editor and Press Association Sport Reporters
15:00, 17 Apr 2026
Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola(Image: GLYN KIRK, AFP via Getty Images)
Andoni Iraola maintains his decision to depart Bournemouth was “not about any other club”, amid links to Newcastle, Manchester United and Liverpool.
The 43 year old’s forthcoming exit was confirmed on Tuesday after three years with the south coast outfit.
His contract was due to run out in the summer and, amid reports linking him with other clubs including Athletic Bilbao, Iraola disclosed he remains uncertain about his next step.
Newcastle insiders have played down any link with the Magpies, with Eddie Howe expected to be involved in planning for the summer, with the two sides facing each other at St James’ Park on Saturday.
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“The decision was not about any other club. There has been no other club involved, it was about continuing here or not continuing here,” he told a press conference.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do next season. I don’t know if I’m going to coach a team, a club, coach a national team, coach in this continent, I’m not going to coach. I have no idea what’s going to happen.
“I don’t have any rush to know it. I’ve taken a big decision for me now in this moment. Now I want to focus on what will happen in these six games.
“It’ll be massive for us. There’s going to be time to think, if we have to think, on something else.”
Andoni guided the Cherries to a ninth-placed Premier League finish last term and they are presently 11th with six matches remaining in this campaign.
Speaking before Saturday’s journey to Newcastle, Iraola added: “It has been a decision that has taken me a lot of time to take, it hasn’t been a clear decision.
“Always during this process, this season, I’ve been talking to the club about the situations, they were very aware this could happen.
“There is not always one main reason. The decision I’ve taken is because probably I don’t want to risk the feeling I have right now of satisfaction of these three seasons.
“You try to envision yourself in a possible fourth season, a possible fifth season and everything costs more.
“We as human beings get tired of watching the same phases. I suppose I decided this was the right moment to put an end to this journey that for me has been really special.”
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