Outgoing Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has given his full backing to successor Marco Rose, insisting the club will be “in very good hands” under the German.
Bournemouth have confirmed that Rose, formerly of RB Leipzig and Borussia Dortmund, will replace Iraola at the end of the season, and the Spaniard believes the appointment is a strong one.
“I think the club will be in very good hands. He’s a great manager,” Iraola said. “I praised him a few years ago, I always liked his teams and I hope he continues that.
“He’s a good manager with a lot of European experience. He looks very exciting. I don’t know him personally but I always like his teams.”
Rose, who also enjoyed success with Red Bull Salzburg, arrives with a proven track record, and Iraola says the players have welcomed the clarity around the club’s future.
“They should be happy because he’s someone who can definitely improve the team,” he added. “I’m sure the players are happy they know what’s happening.”
Attention now turns back to the pitch, where Bournemouth are pushing for a historic European place in the Premier League. The Cherries sit eighth, level on points with Chelsea, and are unbeaten in 13 matches heading into their clash with Leeds United.
“I’ve always said I’m very thankful to this group of players. They are the ones who have allowed me to be now in this position,” Iraola said. “I’m sure they will give everything in these five games.
“I don’t know if we will win or if we will lose, but I have no doubts about their willingness, about their attitude. I’m looking forward to these five games and more motivated than ever, probably.”
“We are in a good place in the standings but it’s going to be so difficult for us,” he added. “We are competing against not one or two but a lot of teams.”
