Bournemouth Boss Iraola Provides Update on Striker Search

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola discusses the challenges of signing a new striker in the January transfer window, citing availability as the main issue, and provides an update on the club's efforts to strengthen their squad.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has expressed his admiration for Newcastle United, their opponents on Saturday. Iraola, who is close friends with Newcastle boss Eddie Howe, acknowledged the challenge that lies ahead. “It's going to be a very, very difficult game. They are flying. Right now, they are flying,” he said. Iraola highlighted Newcastle's strengths, including their in-form players and strong midfield. “They have players in great form, especially Isak is scoring, Gordon is scoring. He's creating a lot of chances. The midfield is super strong. I think they have a, a very good squad.”

Iraola praised Newcastle's impressive run of form, which has seen them win nine games in a row. “I think everyone, almost everyone is available also. And nine games in a row, winning is very difficult in any division, in any competition, but especially here is very, very remarkable. And it's going to be a very, very tough game Very tough game,” he said. Despite the challenge, Iraola remains optimistic about his team's chances, citing their strong finish against Chelsea in their previous game. “But also I think we are well, we are in a good spot even if we are short of numbers. I think we ran a lot the other day against Chelsea. We finished super strong the game and I think we are also ready for the challenges.”

"They could have used excuses, but I admire them."

Strong words for the group on our record-breaking run, despite the challenges we've faced 👊📈 pic.twitter.com/xCf0tJyaLM

— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 17, 2025

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola discussed his relationship with Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe, whom he considers a friend. Iraola revealed that they tend not to communicate in the lead-up to their teams' matches. “Yeah, we tend not to speak before the games. No, I think one, two weeks before when you play each other, I don't think there is a communication there and probably we will speak later and we will discuss like more calmly or whatever it happens,” he said.

Iraola expressed his admiration for Howe's coaching abilities, praising the work he has done at Newcastle United. “You know, I think he's a top coach, a top coach. He's doing a great job there. Every season that has been there, even past one that probably looks a little bit... For me they were very good, they were playing very well,” Iraola said. He acknowledged the challenge of facing Howe's team, particularly at home, where Newcastle tend to start strong and put pressure on their opponents. “And the problem is we have to face them tomorrow and I hope we are at the level because especially at home also the atmosphere that they create in the stadium, they normally start the game super strong. They are used to scoring early, especially at home games and put you under pressure.”

Iraola emphasized the importance of withstanding Newcastle's early pressure and surviving the first 10-15 minutes of the game. “And I think it's important we can survive this first 10, 15 minutes where they really create the atmosphere to overrun you, to intimidate you a little bit,” he said. Iraola views the match as a challenge, not just for his team, but also for himself as a manager. “But for me it's a challenge also as a manager to face the good ones. And definitely Eddie is one of them.”

In addition to discussing the upcoming match against Newcastle, Iraola was also asked about the possibility of signing a new striker due to the long-term injuries of Enes Unal and Evanilson.

Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola provided an update on the club's efforts to sign a new striker in the January transfer window. Iraola acknowledged that there is currently no news on this front, citing the challenges of finding a suitable player in the winter market. “Right now, there is no news. There is no news. I think it's difficult in the market. It's difficult because it's a specific position that no one wants to get rid of number nines in the winter market, the end is a position that you normally sub a lot and you always want to have just in case,” he explained.

Iraola emphasized that the club is continuing to work on signing a new striker, with several weeks remaining in the transfer window. “But the club continues to work on it and we have still a lot of days for the market, 10, 15 days is a lot of days,” he said. However, Iraola noted that the main challenge is finding a suitable player who is available for transfer. “... now, especially now in the winter market, the most difficult part is the availability because we know a lot of very good number nines, but the great majority of them are not available, especially now. So the club, I know is working on it.”

Iraola stated that his primary focus is on preparing the team for their upcoming matches, rather than worrying about transfer dealings. “From my side, I have a very, very busy, busy period. So I'm more worried about what is going to happen on the pitch especially and how to prepare,” he said.

When asked about the possibility of further departures from the club, following the recent exits of Philip Billing and Max Aarons, Iraola expressed uncertainty. “I suppose, but I don't know. I suppose because they don't tell me everything and every negotiation and every time they talk to agents and to clubs,” he said. However, Iraola emphasized that the club's current squad is already short-handed, making it difficult to lose any more players. “But I think it's normal things especially in the Premier League. But right now, we are very, very short of players, so we cannot lose anyone else.”