Bournemouth Boss Iraola Extends Contract Until 2026

Iraola joined Bournemouth on a two-year contract last summer after leaving Rayo Vallecano as a replacement for Gary O'Neil.

After a difficult start that saw Bournemouth embark on a nine-game winless run to start the season, the Cherries have picked up and have already achieved their highest ever Premier League points tally of 48.

The 41-year-old won the Premier League's manager of the month for March and is one of five nominees for manager of the season, alongside Mikel Arteta, Pep Guardiola, Jurgen Klopp and Unai Emery.

"I'm very happy to sign the contract," Iraola told the club's official website. "For me, it is a matter of renewing the confidence from both sides.

"We have had a good experience with our first season together in the Premier League, and I am happy that both sides want to continue the relationship further.

"I'm proud that we achieved the points record. We are playing in a difficult competition, with very good opposition. The season started slowly, but I think we improved a lot and are playing in the right way.

"We have to continue improving the team, because the level of the Premier League is really high, and I'm looking forward to working with Simon (technical director Simon Francis) and the rest of the team over the summer to help us do that. 

"I would like to thank the supporters for everything in our first year together. I am thankful that they were supporting us even in the beginning when we were not winning games, and that they have been very helpful to the players for the whole year."