In the beginning phases of their 2022/23 season, AFC Bournemouth’s goal differential was -14 after just four matches. The horrific defensive record led many to believe that they would get relegated just as quickly as they were promoted. However, thanks to the managing efforts of appointee Gary O’Neil, the club gained outstanding form and survived the drop.
Despite his efforts to keep his team up, the 40-year-old’s time with his staff and his players has come to an end. In a club statement made by the Cherries, the Englishman has been sacked effective immediately. His replacement? Andoni Iraola: a Spaniard who had been leading La Liga club Rayo Vallecano since the 2020/21 season.
AFC Bournemouth Appoint Andoni Iraola to Take Over From Gary O’Neil
The Reasons Behind Gary O’Neil’s Sacking
One motive could be the lack of experience. Unlike his replacement, he had never led a club’s first team up until that point in his career. Coincidentally, both coaches are the same age, demonstrating the massive difference in managerial careers.
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Another reason could be the bad end of the season. The south coast club lost their last four games to close out their top-flight campaign – a run of results that could have been detrimental if they had not already secured a place above the relegation zone.
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Iraola, on the other hand, had two majorly successful years leading Los Franjirrojos. The Spaniard led his side to consecutive mid-table finishes after gaining promotion during his first year in charge. Defeating both Real Madrid and Barcelona this season, it makes sense that the English club preferred his coaching talents over their temporary manager.
Bournemouth’s Future in Iraola’s Hands
Second-season syndrome has taken Premier League football away from several clubs in recent seasons. Therefore, a logical short-term goal for the incoming manager is to avoid going down. If he can use his transfer budget to improve the squad that has defeated the likes of Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur, it is entirely possible for the club to massively improve on their previous season. However, if the hiring proves ineffective, fans will look to this decision and heavily criticise owner/chairman Bill Fowley and the rest of the club’s hierarchy.
