AFC Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola is reportedly a target for Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United.
Two months ago, the Spanish media linked him to Athletic Club Bilbao.
Saturday’s edition of Marca has published a detailed interview with the Bournemouth boss.
They specifically point out about reports linking him to Tottenham, Manchester United and Chelsea. The latter may not be an option as they replaced Enzo Maresca with Liam Rosenior earlier this month.
Tottenham appointed Thomas Frank as their manager for this season. Spurs have seven wins from 21 league matches and are now 14th in the table. If things don’t improve, the Dane’s position at the north London club could be in danger.
Manchester United, on the other hand, have parted ways with Ruben Amorim. They have already appointed Michael Carrick as head coach until the end of this season.
The Red Devils are searching for a new manager, and recent claims have mentioned the Bournemouth coach as an option.
Andoni Iraola asked about Tottenham and Manchester United
Iraola is in his final six months of contract at the Vitality Stadium. Marca asked him about his future plans, and specifically asked about Tottenham and Manchester United.
“I’m very happy at Bournemouth, I’ve always said that,” he said.
“For managers, the contract isn’t that important. I believe that trust should be renewed every year. If you’re happy with me and I’m happy with you, why not stay for another year?”
“I wouldn’t want to stay somewhere simply because I have a signed contract. Once we achieve our objective, we’ll meet and see how to approach the next season and whether or not to continue. That’s what I’m thinking about, but staying here is a good option.”
Under Iraola, the Cherries have managed to get results against the top teams on several occasions. The Spanish newspaper are curious on how he achieved it.
Iraola explained: “It’s not just about how you want to play. You depend on the opponent, and usually, the teams that consider themselves better accept the challenge of more open matches, and we don’t mind that.”
Marca asked the manager how he ‘convinces players to repeat so many high-intensity efforts’.
Rock & Roll football from Bournemouth manager
He added: “They have to get used to living like this every day. Training and playing like this to get into the rhythm.
“All our teams have welcomed it because, at the end of the day, we produce good results offensively. We score goals, we create chances… and when players see that there’s a reward for that work, they usually buy into it.”
The Spanish newspaper put it to Iraola that his style has been dubbed ‘rock & roll football’, to which he said: “Here they also call it organised chaos. I understand what they mean, and in some ways, I see myself reflected in it. I always say that I’d like my teams to be good, but if they’re also entertaining, all the better.”
For Andoni Iraola to give Marca this interview right now, talk up his attacking brand of football, and be specifically asked about potential jobs, feels a little more planned than run of the mill interviews.