Andoni Iraola facts for kids
Iraola in 2023
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| Personal information | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Full name | Andoni Iraola Sagarna | ||
| Date of birth | 22 June 1982 | ||
| Place of birth | Usurbil, Spain | ||
| Height | 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in) | ||
| Position(s) | Right-back | ||
| Team information | |||
|
Current team
|
AFC Bournemouth (manager) | ||
| Youth career | |||
| 1991–1999 | Antiguoko | ||
| 1999–2000 | Athletic Bilbao | ||
| Senior career* | |||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
| 2000–2001 | Basconia | 35 | (4) |
| 2001–2003 | Bilbao Athletic | 75 | (15) |
| 2003–2015 | Athletic Bilbao | 406 | (33) |
| 2015–2016 | New York City FC | 38 | (0) |
| Total | 554 | (52) | |
| International career | |||
| 2001 | Spain U18 | 1 | (0) |
| 2003 | Spain U21 | 1 | (0) |
| 2008–2011 | Spain | 7 | (0) |
| 2003–2013 | Basque Country | 9 | (0) |
| Managerial career | |||
| 2018–2019 | AEK Larnaca | ||
| 2019–2020 | Mirandés | ||
| 2020–2023 | Rayo Vallecano | ||
| 2023– | AFC Bournemouth | ||
| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | |||
Andoni Iraola Sagarna (born on June 22, 1982) is a Spanish professional football manager and former player. He is currently the manager of the English club AFC Bournemouth.
During his playing career, Iraola was mostly a right-back. He was known for being a tough player with good passing skills. He spent most of his career playing for Athletic Bilbao, where he played over 500 games in 12 seasons.
Iraola started his coaching career in 2018. He managed Rayo Vallecano for three years. In 2023, he became the manager of Premier League club Bournemouth.
Contents
Playing Career: Andoni Iraola's Time on the Field
Club Career: Playing for Athletic Bilbao and Beyond
Athletic Bilbao: A Long and Loyal Career
Andoni Iraola was born in Usurbil, Spain. He played football as a young boy for a team called Antiguoko. Some of his teammates there were famous players like Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso. He then joined Athletic Bilbao's youth system.
Iraola made his first team debut for Athletic Bilbao in the 2003–04 season. He quickly became a key player, often taking penalties and free kicks. In his first season, he played 30 games and scored five goals. This helped his team qualify for the UEFA Cup.
For 12 seasons, Iraola played at least 30 league matches every year. He scored goals in almost every season. He also helped Athletic Bilbao reach three Copa del Rey finals and the 2011–12 UEFA Europa League final. Even though they didn't win these finals, it showed how important he was to the team.
In his last league game for Athletic Bilbao in May 2015, his teammate Aritz Aduriz offered him a penalty kick. Iraola said no, but then scored a goal from open play just a few minutes later. He was the team captain in his very last match, the 2015 Copa del Rey final, which they lost to Barcelona.
New York City FC: A New Adventure
After leaving Athletic Bilbao, Iraola moved to the United States in 2015. He joined Major League Soccer club New York City FC at 33 years old. He played his first game for them in July 2015.
Iraola decided to retire from playing football on November 17, 2016.
International Career: Representing Spain
On August 20, 2008, Iraola was called up to play for the Spanish national team. He played his first game in a friendly match against Denmark. He came on as a substitute for Sergio Ramos.
In March 2011, Iraola played for Spain again in a qualifying match for UEFA Euro 2012. He was expected to be part of the final squad for the tournament, but an injury prevented him from playing.
Iraola also played for the Basque representative side for ten years.
Coaching Career: From Player to Manager
AEK Larnaca: First Steps as a Manager
Iraola started his coaching career in Cyprus. He became the manager of AEK Larnaca in June 2018. However, he was sacked in January 2019 after a difficult period without winning matches.
Mirandés: Cup Success
In July 2019, Iraola took over as manager of Mirandés. This team had just been promoted to the Segunda División, which is Spain's second division. He led the team to the semi-finals of the Spanish Cup. This was a big achievement for the club. They even beat top teams like Celta, Sevilla, and Villarreal. He left the club in July 2020 when his contract ended.
Rayo Vallecano: Promotion to La Liga
Iraola stayed in the second division and joined Rayo Vallecano in August 2020. He helped them get promoted to La Liga, Spain's top league, through the playoffs. He then extended his contract with the club. In the 2021–22 season, he led Rayo Vallecano to the semi-finals of the national cup again. This was only the second time in the club's history they had reached this stage.
In February 2023, the Premier League club Leeds United wanted Iraola to be their manager. But Rayo Vallecano did not let him leave. He left Rayo Vallecano at the end of the 2022–23 season after turning down a new contract.
AFC Bournemouth: Managing in the Premier League
On June 19, 2023, Iraola was appointed manager of AFC Bournemouth in the Premier League. His first game was a 1–1 draw against West Ham United. He got his first win in the league against Burnley.
Iraola signed a new contract with Bournemouth in May 2024, keeping him there until 2026. His team finished the 2023–24 season with their highest-ever points total in the Premier League. On November 2, he led Bournemouth to a 2–1 win over Manchester City. This win ended Manchester City's amazing 32-game unbeaten run in the league!
Managerial Style: How Iraola's Teams Play
Andoni Iraola likes his teams to play in a specific way. He often uses a 4–3–3 or 4–3–2–1 formation. His teams focus on winning the ball back quickly after losing it. They use fast wingers and hardworking midfielders. When building attacks from the back, his defensive midfielder often drops deep while the full-backs push forward. His main goal is to surprise the opposing team.
Honours
Player
Athletic Bilbao
- Copa del Rey runner-up: 2008–09, 2011–12, 2014–15
- Supercopa de España runner-up: 2009
- UEFA Europa League runner-up: 2011–12
Manager
AEK Larnaca
- Cypriot Super Cup: 2018
Individual
- Premier League Manager of the Month: March 2024
See Also
In Spanish: Andoni Iraola para niños
- List of Athletic Bilbao players (200+ appearances)
- List of La Liga players (400+ appearances)
