Iraola - the man who brews fiery football in the Premier League

Andoni Iraola is helping Bournemouth fly high.

The Coca-Cola formula is considered the world’s most closely guarded trade secret. But in the south of England, a “football version” of that secret is being concocted by Andoni Iraola – a drink called “Cherry Coke”, symbolising the fiery, daring and energetic style that Bournemouth are developing under the Basque coach.

From selling stars to taking off in history

In the summer of 2025, Bournemouth stunned the entire Premier League by earning 238 million euros by selling a series of pillars: Zabarnyi (63 million), Huijsen (62.5), Kerkez (46.9) and Ouattara (42.8). It seemed that "The Cherries" would collapse, but under the hands of Iraola, they flew spectacularly - ranked fourth after seven rounds, only two points behind Arsenal, and having the best start in the club's history.

“Huijsen, Zabarnyi, Kerkez... they all arrived when they were 18-19 years old. The club invested in them, and after just 1-2-3 seasons, these players reached the level of big teams. That shows that our scouting work is on the right track,” Iraola told DAZN . “We believe we can continue to do so, even though we know that competition is getting fiercer.”

The Spaniard maintained his usual composure: “We have only played seven games. After the break it is Palace, Man City and Aston Villa. 14 points is a good number, maybe more than expected - but it is just the beginning.”

According to statistics, Bournemouth is now up 9 points compared to the same period last season, the most in the league. Despite the personnel changes, Iraola's football philosophy remains intact. Bournemouth is still loyal to the "rock & roll" style of play - speed, pressing and relentless intensity.

Bournemouth sold Huijsen to Real Madrid in the summer of 2025.

According to DAZN , “The Cherries” are the team with the most ball seizures (367), the most high pressing (56) and the fewest goals conceded (3) after seven Premier League rounds. “That is something we cannot afford to lose. It is the identity of the team. Sometimes we pay the price, but we cannot stop taking risks,” Iraola emphasized.

Bournemouth also make the second most high-speed runs (over 22 km/h) in Europe’s top 22 leagues, and have the lowest pressing PPDA (9.7) in the league – meaning they allow opponents the fewest passes before winning the ball back. Last season, that figure was 9.9, and Bournemouth also set a club defensive record of just 46 goals conceded.

Intense, direct and effective

A study by Total Football Analysis found: “Bournemouth are one of the most exciting teams to watch in the Premier League. They lead the way in terms of winning possession and creating shooting opportunities (68), and score the most goals from a high press (10 goals).”

Iraola explained that his strategy does not rely on luck: “We prefer high-tempo games, lots of one-on-one situations, lots of space. When the game is open, our abilities are at their best. In tight games, where only a small chance can decide the outcome, we are not as strong as other teams.”

That’s why Bournemouth always play fast and aggressively – willing to trade risks for advantages, like Iraola’s “Cherry Coke”: strong, sweet, fiery but addictive. Striker Justin Kluivert, one of his most loyal students, spoke of his coach with admiration: “If you look at the players who have left and the way the team is playing now, it’s unbelievable. I always say: the manager is the bus driver, and he’s taking us on a great journey.”

Bournemouth are on the rise with a squad of not-so-famous players.

It is no wonder Bournemouth are trying to extend Iraola's contract, which expires in June next year. However, Manchester United and Tottenham have started to keep an eye on the 43-year-old.

Former Chelsea midfielder Steve Sidwell commented: “Iraola has been a revelation in the Premier League. His replacement for Gary O'Neil was controversial, but the way he has led Bournemouth - attacking with fire, defending solidly, making no excuses - has been admirable. The club must keep him at all costs.”

At the Vitality Stadium, Andoni Iraola has brought not only victory, but also a philosophy of life: dare to take risks, dare to be different, dare to play with all your heart for your identity. That “Cherry Coke formula” – a blend of Basque discipline, Premier League speed and adventurous spirit – is making Bournemouth the coolest, most explosive and addictive cocktail of English football this season.

Source: https://znews.vn/iraola-nguoi-pha-che-thu-bong-da-boc-lua-o-premier-league-post1592679.html