Bournemouth: Andoni Iraola departs Cherries with European gift

Iraola declared He was leaving in April The Cherries have been unable to agree a new deal despite their desire to keep the 43-year-old.

Former RB Leipzig manager Marco Rose was unveiled as his successor and the man charged with continuing the Cherries’ rise.

Iraola, who was praised by Forest fans after reaching the Europa League, gave his replacement the perfect platform.

“Champagne is in the changing room, we were celebrating like we are,” he said, setting a new club record in the Premier League with 57 points.

“I’ve enjoyed every second with the fans, with the players, it’s great to finish like this and have something to celebrate. In these three years I’ve seen a lot of people who have supported me.

“It’s half term for the kids, I’ll be Bournemouth Until July. Tomorrow, I will celebrate with the staff, I will go home for at least a week and take my time to decide (what happens next).”

It hasn’t always been straightforward for the Cherries this season, though, as they endured a two-month spell of 11 Premier League games between November and January, in which they won 3-2. Tottenham.

D 3 January loss to Arsenal They are 15th, seven points behind the top six but the Cherries have not lost since.

They arrived at the City Ground on the back of a club-record 17-game unbeaten run in the top flight with a draw. Manchester City Wednesday’s draw extended the record.

An 18th draw of the season equaled a Premier League record and ensured they did not lose to 19 other clubs in the second half of the campaign.

“I didn’t want to lose today because of that. It’s been great, I want to end it here because you can’t ask for more,” added Iraola.

Iraola did this despite being significantly weakened.

Dean Huizen went to Real Madrid, Liverpool Move Milos Kerkez, Elia Zabarni to Paris Saint-Germain, Dango Ouattara signed Brentford And Manchester City initiated the £65m release of Antoine Semeneu in January.

The departure brought in around £250m which they reinvested in players such as Adrien Truffaut, Djordje Petrovic and Bafoude Diakite – Most expensive summer buy at £34m. Forward Ryan, defender Alex Jimenez and midfielder Alex Toth arrived in January.

Iraola said of Match of the Day: “I enjoyed it a lot and it’s not easy. When you go to work with a smile, even in moments where the result is probably not that good, it’s more of a challenge.

“The atmosphere at the club is very positive. The club is growing. Now we are getting incredible results, it is always good to work in such an environment.

“I’m pretty tough but I was really close (to tears). I can’t ask for anything more. I’m very lucky to be in this group with the players at this club at the moment. I think it’s the perfect ending and I’m very grateful.”