Iraola on Cook, being 'really close' to Europe and his final home game
Iraola on Cook, being 'really close' to Europe and his final home game
Nat Hayward - BBC Sport journalistMon, May 18, 2026 at 2:05 PM UTC
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Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Tuesday's Premier League game against Manchester City at the Vitality Stadium at (19:30 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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Iraola began his news conference by saying the club is "really close" to qualifying for Europe: "We need one more point - I think we are ready."
He confirmed he has a fully fit squad and "everyone wants to push and everyone wants to play", with Lewis Cook available after training regularly recently. Ryan Christie is suspended, however.
Asked if he was watching the Premier League matches on Sunday, Iraola said: "We were actually in training, spending some time with the families. The situation hasn't changed. We needed one point before the games [on Sunday], we need one point after the games."
On being so close to such a historic achievement for the Cherries: "We are close, but we still don't have it. We need one more point but it won't be easy. [Manchester] City are in good form after a trophy and they are also fighting for the league - but we are ready. We are in a good place and we don't have injuries. We are looking forward to the game tomorrow."
More on the European push: "After these three lovely seasons where I've enjoyed so much, to finish with European qualification would be incredible. I think it puts the club on a different level. It gives also the correct platform to continue this development, to continue growing. For the players, it is the chance to play a lot of games next season."
On his final game at Vitality Stadium: "We had so many good moments so it's going to be special. Because the game is so difficult, and you have to prepare so well and I am thinking of so many things, I'm not thinking about the emotional side of my last game. But, I think at the end of the game tomorrow it is going to be a hard moment."
Asked if he had any regret over his decision to leave at the end of the season, Iraola replied: No. When we took the decision it was some time ago and we were not really thinking about whether we were going to qualify for Europe. It was more about the mid to long-term view and we decided that it was the right moment to end these three years here. I would definitely love to get something. If we can get the Europa League, [that's] better than the Conference - and if we can get the Champions League, [that's] better than the Europa League. I would be so happy, but it doesn't change my point of view."
On Antoine Semenyo, who returns with City to face the team he left in January having scored the winner in Saturday's FA Cup final: "He is a top player. I'm very happy for him and we were celebrating his goal because it was good for us. He is definitely one of the players to limit in some way."
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Source: “AOL Sports”
