Europe 'best way' to end Bournemouth stay - Iraola

Breaking news from the world of sport: Europe 'best way' to end Bournemouth stay - IraolaImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth in the summer after three seasons in chargePublished20 minutes agoBournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has said finishing in a European place would be the "best way" to finish his time at the club. The former Spain defender joined the club in 2023, replacing Gary O'Neil, but will leave in the summer when his contract expires. With two games of the Premier League season remaining, Iraola's side sit sixth in a Europa League spot, but are just four points off a Champions League place while they could still end up in Europe's third-tier competition, the Conference League.

Sixth may even be enough for the Cherries to play in the Champions League should Aston Villa beat Freiburg in the Europa League final and finish fifth. "It would be the best way to finish these amazing three seasons," Iraola said. "Especially this year, it has been really challenging for me as a coach because we've changed the team a lot and we've changed, not completely our style, but it's a different type of football comparing to last season.

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"It would be the best way to end it. "The Cherries have never played in European competition in their 127-year history and close out the season with the visit of title-chasing Manchester City on Tuesday (19:30 BST) followed by a trip to Nottingham Forest on Sunday (16:00 BST). Just one point is required from their last two games to secure European football.

"We are really close, but there is a big difference between being really close and getting it and grabbing it," added Iraola. Bournemouth are currently on a remarkable 16-match unbeaten run in the top flight - the longest of any side in the competition this season, with their last defeat coming against leaders Arsenal on 3 January. Iraola's side have not been defeated since selling then-top scorer Antoine Semenyo to Manchester City in the January transfer window with the forward returning to the Vitality Stadium on Tuesday.

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