Photo credit: www.theguardian.com
Bournemouth’s owner, Bill Foley, is set to engage in discussions regarding a contract extension with head coach Andoni Iraola next week. There is a rising sense of optimism within the club that the sought-after manager will agree to remain at Bournemouth. Iraola’s current contract is due to conclude at the end of next season, but Foley aims to secure a longer-term deal amid interest from other clubs, notably Tottenham. Following the Easter break, Foley plans to travel to Bournemouth to meet with Iraola to deliberate on the future, potentially presenting a new contract.
Meanwhile, Tottenham’s Ange Postecoglou is facing significant scrutiny after a challenging season, having lost 17 matches in the Premier League. The team’s prospects hinge on a successful run in the Europa League, with a crucial quarter-final second leg against Eintracht Frankfurt approaching, currently level at 1-1.
Iraola has emerged as a frontrunner to step in at Tottenham should there be a managerial change, alongside other notable names such as Marco Silva from Fulham and Thomas Frank of Brentford. Although formal discussions with Iraola have yet to occur, there is a prevailing belief at Bournemouth that he will opt to stay, especially if the team manages to qualify for Europe for the first time in its history.
After a difficult stretch of six winless games, Bournemouth recently secured a victory against Fulham, rising to eighth in the Premier League standings, a position that could potentially lead to a Conference League spot.
Last season, Iraola led Bournemouth to a record points haul of 48 and has remarkably matched that total with six matches still to play this season. His dynamic style of football has garnered attention, although some analysts question whether his counterattacking approach would blend well with a team like Tottenham, which is used to a more possession-oriented game.
Despite his ambition to ascend to top-tier management roles, Iraola appears content at Bournemouth, where he enjoys significant influence over player transfers, thanks in part to the data-driven strategies implemented by Foley’s Black Knight Sports and Entertainment ownership group. Signings like Milos Kerkez, Dean Huijsen, and Evanilson have proven to be astute moves, positioning Bournemouth well within the Premier League’s financial regulations this summer. With only Dominic Solanke transferring to Tottenham for £55 million last summer, Bournemouth is in a strong position to maintain its current squad, bolstered by long-term contracts for many players.
Iraola began his tenure with Bournemouth on a two-year deal, extending his contract last May. At his previous club, Rayo Vallecano, he successfully led the team to promotion to La Liga and ensured their survival in the league for two seasons, typically favoring rolling one-year contracts during his time there.
Source
www.theguardian.com