Iraola’s Bournemouth riding high as they prepare for an unexpected top-four clash with Forest

Nottingham Forest may have stolen the spotlight as this season’s Premier League overachievers, but Bournemouth’s remarkable ascent to top-four contention deserves equal attention.

Under Basque coach Andoni Iraola, Bournemouth secured a 12th-place finish last season after a slow start, appearing to have found a manager capable of solidifying them as a mid-table side. For a club with the Premier League’s smallest turnover, such stability seemed like a reasonable target. However, Iraola has taken them to new heights.

Ahead of Saturday’s home clash with third-placed Nottingham Forest, Bournemouth sit in seventh place, just three points off the top four. They’ve gone 10 games unbeaten in the league, collecting 22 points—second only to Forest’s 25 in that stretch.

A win on Saturday could propel Iraola’s side firmly into the mix for European qualification, with even the most optimistic fans daring to dream of a Champions League spot.

Iraola’s success stems from his tactical expertise and a philosophy that encourages player creativity. “I often value more a player driving the ball forward and creating opportunities,” he told The Independent. “Overly positional play—just passing to find the free man—can stifle the initiative players need to take on their opponents and attack space.”

Remarkably, Iraola has managed Bournemouth’s rise despite an injury crisis that has sidelined up to 10 first-team players. Midfielder Marcus Tavernier could return for a cameo against Forest, a game Iraola sees as no less challenging than their stunning 4-1 win at Newcastle last week.

“We must be at our best to beat them,” Iraola told reporters. “It won’t be easier than Chelsea or Newcastle away. Forest excel defensively—they’re absolutely elite. Even when sitting deeper, they don’t struggle. They’re confident and resilient, so we’ll need to be sharp offensively and clinical in front of goal.”