Bournemouth were justified in their decision to part ways with Gary O’Neil and appoint Andoni Iraola. At the time, it was a decision that was met with disbelief but the Cherries had a fairly comfortable 2023/24 season after a difficult start to life under the Spanish tactician.
By Sam McGuire
So how will they cope with the increased pressure this time around?
What happened last season?
Iraola guided his time to a 12th place finish in what was a confident and assured debut campaign as a Premier League manager.
Bournemouth ended the season just four points off of ninth-placed West Ham United having racked up nine more points than they managed during the 2022/23 campaign.
Their form could best be described as patchy, though. They had to wait 10 games for their first win of the season. This then kicked off a run of seven wins across their next nine before a winless streak of seven. They ended this by going on a five match unbeaten run. The Cherries eventually ended the season with three successive defeats.
And what was their 2023/24 campaign in a nutshell. Sometimes good, sometimes bad. But that was to be expected in what was a transitional season under a new manager looking to put his stamp on things.
The former Rayo Vallecano boss managed to get the best out of Dominic Solanke and this might’ve been his most impressive achievement of the season. Yes, more impressive than guiding Bournemouth to a respectable Premier League football playing a brand of football that caught the eye.
Prior to last season, Solanke had always been a star Championship striker but someone who struggled in the English top flight, netting just nine goals across two full seasons with the Cherries. This wasn’t the case last term though. He was very much a Premier League striker, netting 19 goals. The key behind this was the team’s ability to consistently create for their No. 9. He finished the campaign with an Expected Goals haul of 19.6, a figure that points to Bournemouth’s success in the final third and Iraola’s style of play being a success.
What has happened during the summer?
Bournemouth lost their Sporting Director to Liverpool with Tiago Pinto coming in to replace the departed Richard Hughes. The Cherries haven’t been up to much in the transfer window really. Luis Sinisterra and Enes Ünal signed on permanent deals while the highly-rated Dean Huijsen was brought in from Juventus, much to the surprise of a lot of people.
They have, however, managed to keep their squad together. Lloyd Kelly is the only senior player to leave the club, joining Newcastle United on a free transfer following the expiry of his contract.
What they should be aiming for next season?
Iraola will no doubt want a little more consistency from his team. A mid-table finish will be the aim for the Cherries. They aren’t yet in a position to push for a top-eight finish but they shouldn’t be anywhere near the relegation battle next term, especially in year two of the Iraola project.
Prediction: 13th
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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