Head coach Andoni Iraola insists that his team must earn the right to compete in European football for the first time in the club’s history.
With just 11 games remaining in the Premier League season, AFC Bournemouth find themselves on the brink of history. Currently sitting seventh in the table, the Cherries are four points behind fourth-placed Manchester City and remain in contention for a Champions League qualification spot.
Head coach Andoni Iraola, however, insists that his team must earn the right to compete in European football for the first time in the club’s history.
“I think it’s very difficult, honestly. We are competing with teams that are expected to be in the mix until the very end. We’ve performed at a high level, but even a slight dip could prove costly,” Iraola told BBC Radio 5 Live.
“We need to maintain this level until the last game, and it’s going to be a close fight. Hopefully, when we reach the final three or four matches, we are still in the conversation. Until then, we have to earn the right to be in this battle.”
Iraola, now in his second season with Bournemouth, has overseen a remarkable transformation. After guiding the club to a 12th-place finish in his debut campaign, he has elevated the team’s performance, making them a serious contender for European qualification. Additionally, Bournemouth have reached the FA Cup quarterfinals, where they are set to face reigning champions Manchester City.
The Spanish manager credits his improved understanding of the squad for the team’s progress this season.
“Being in my second season has made a huge difference. The players know me better, and I understand them more. I know their strengths, their best positions, and where they can make the biggest impact,” he explained.
“At the start, it took some time to settle. People said we had a rough beginning, but we still managed to collect 25 points in the first half of last season. The players adapted quickly, and since then, we have been solid.”
Bournemouth’s resurgence under Iraola has turned heads, with many now considering them legitimate contenders for European football. However, the road ahead remains challenging, with crucial matches against top-tier opposition in the coming weeks.
If the Cherries can maintain their current form and secure a European spot, it would mark a historic milestone for the club. But as Iraola emphasizes, nothing is guaranteed – Bournemouth must continue to prove themselves until the very end.
