Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola could leave the club for a top Premier League job soon as opportunities are now “round the corner”, according to Tim Sherwood.
The Cherries defeated Nottingham Forest in a thumping 5-0 victory, courtesy of a Dango Outtara hat-trick, as they ended their opponents winning run.
This result came just a few days after ending Newcastle’s six-game winning run, with a 4-1 win and Bournemouth have quickly become a side that thrives against in-form teams.
The Cherries’ good results this season have made Iraola one of the most in-demand managers.
Speaking on Sky Sports Soccer Saturday ahead of their dismantling of Forest on Saturday (25 January), former Tottenham boss, Sherwood, said (1.30pm): “He’ll be grateful for the opportunity to manage in the Premier League. They’ve given him that. He’s done well for the club, the club have done well for him as well.
“But when he gets an opportunity, and that will be round the corner, he’s got to strike while the iron’s hot. At the moment he’s hot, the players are hot, but the players won’t be there for long.”
MORE FOOTBALL INSIDER STORIES
Bournemouth should do all they can to hold onto Iraola despite interest
Football Insider Verdict
Despite the view of Sherwood that Iraola should jump at the opportunity to leave as soon as it comes, there is not currently a side that can offer the Spaniard what Bournemouth do right now.
As far as potential jobs go, Tottenham looks the most likely “big” job to become available, as Peter O’Rourke has exclusively revealed to Football Insider Spurs’ stance on the Australian.
Iraola is currently the odds-on favourite [The Sun] for the job in North London, should Ange Postecoglou be let go.
Spurs does not seem like an appealing option for Iraola, the team has failed to adequately replace Harry Kane since his move to Bayern Munich, and their playing squad is no better than Bournemouth’s at this moment in time.
Wolves
Andoni Iraiola replaced Gary O’Neil as Bournemouth boss (Credit: Imago)
Chairman Daniel Levy has also shown no desire to let go of Postecoglou, and most Spurs fans are likely to argue that the issues that exist for the North London side stem from the board, rather than the manager.
The other big teams have all recently changed manager (Man United) or are settled with the man they have in charge right now.
Bournemouth are on course for the highest league finish in the club’s history, and leaving a club that looks prepared to back him for as long as he wants to be there would be a strange decision for Iraola.
However, the Spaniard will likely be hoping to see his team be a little more active in the transfer window, as Milos Kerkez may need to be replaced if he joins Liverpool.
In other news, Kepa Arrizabalaga has sent a message to fans after rumours of a Chelsea recall.
For more Bournemouth news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.
