Andoni Iraola: Bournemouth Must Earn European Opportunity
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Synopsis
AFC Bournemouth is on the verge of making history with a chance for Champions League qualification. Head coach Andoni Iraola stresses the importance of earning their place in Europe as they push for the top spots in the Premier League.
Key Takeaways
- AFC Bournemouth is currently 7th in the Premier League.
- Only four points separate them from 4th place Manchester City.
- Head coach Andoni Iraola emphasizes the need to earn European qualification.
- The team has made significant improvements from last season.
- They are also in the FA Cup quarterfinals against Manchester City.
Bournemouth, March 4 (NationPress) With only 11 matches remaining in the Premier League campaign, AFC Bournemouth has the opportunity to make history. The Cherries currently occupy the seventh position in the standings, just four points behind Manchester City, who are in fourth, keeping their hopes alive for Champions League qualification.
Head coach Andoni Iraola asserts that his team must earn the right to participate in Europe for the first time in the club's history.
"Honestly, I think it’s quite challenging. We are competing with teams that will be in contention at the end, but we’ve performed admirably. We’ve continually been on the brink, so if we experience even a slight dip, it will become impossible to maintain our position.
"We must sustain this level until the conclusion, and the competition will be fierce. I hope we can discuss this as we approach the final three or four games, but we still need to earn our place in this race until the end," Iraola shared with BBC Radio 5 Live.
During his inaugural season at the helm, Iraola guided Bournemouth to a 12th place finish, but he has revitalized the team in his second season—one that also includes a place in the FA Cup quarterfinals, where they will meet Manchester City.
The Spaniard believes that time has allowed him to better understand his players and maximize their potential.
"Being in my second season is crucial. We have improved significantly; the players understand me better, and I understand them better. I know where they can excel and the positions they can fill effectively.
"It took some time initially, but while people noted we struggled at the start, we still managed to secure 25 points in the first half of last season. They adapted quickly, but we have been consistent since then," he concluded.
