Andoni Iraola has become one of the most in-demand managers in world football.

Having taken Bournemouth from relegation candidates to European chasers, the Spanish finds himself linked to a host of clubs including Tottenham Hotspur.

Spurs have had a miserable season this campaign languishing in the bottom half of the table for the majority of the campaign.

Expectations are that Tottenham are weighing up options regarding the position and Iraola would be at the top of their shortlist, if they were to part ways with Ange Postecoglu.

Managerial beginnings

Iraola started his managerial career seven years ago, following his appointment with Cypriot side AEK Larnaca in 2018. However, his start to management didn’t go too well, departing from Cyprus after just eight months having won 12 of his 29 matches in charge - a win percentage of 41.38%.

Despite winning the Cypriot Super Cup with Larnaca, a run which saw a failure to win a match in almost two months was the reason for his departure

Iraola’s next spell would be a return to his native Spain, taking over newly promoted Segunda Division side Mirandes.

📄 Summary of Andoni Iraola (manager)
✍️ Signed as Mirandes’ manager (2019)
📈 Took Mirandes to the semi-finals of the 2019-20 Spanish Cup (2nd time in their history; beating Celta, Sevilla & Villarreal). pic.twitter.com/XqSffR2W6S

— Fanatics of Football (@footynews129) April 26, 2023

Another short spell for Iraola saw more success with Los Rojillos, guiding them to the semi-final of the Copa del Rey for the second time in their 92-year history - defeating Sevilla and Villarreal in the process.

Success in Spain

Following the expiration of his contract with Mirandes, Iraola found himself staying in the Segunda Division with Rayo Vallecano.

Rayo Vallecano achieved promotion in his first year in charge through the Segunda Division playoffs, defeating Girona in the final.

• 2020/21: Promotion to La Liga
• 2021/22: League double v Barcelona and Copa del Rey semi final
• 2022/23: Beat European champions Real Madrid in La Liga

An Andoni Iraola masterclass. 🇪🇸👏 #RayoVallecano pic.twitter.com/GlzOMm48x7

— Coaches' Voice (@CoachesVoice) November 7, 2022

His second season with Los Franjirrojos saw Iraola lead another club to the semi-final of the Copa del Rey. The second time Rayo Vallecano had achieved this milestone in 40 years.

Rebuilding Bournemouth

Iraola‘s next step was a move to the Premier League with AFC Bournemouth to replace Gary O’Neil. The decision to sack the English manager was met with criticism, having kept the Cherries safe from relegation.

Having failed to win a league match until his tenth attempt, Iraola came under scrutiny from the media.

However, Bournemouth’s decision to change manager was met with reward as time progressed.

Andoni Iraola has the chance to write himself into the Bournemouth history books, by being the FIRST manager to lead The Cherries to the FA Cup Semi Finals 🏆

Working magic on the South coast 🪄 pic.twitter.com/yCtrhRNZE0

— Football on TNT Sports (@footballontnt) March 28, 2025

The Cherries finished in 12th position at the end of Iraola’s first season, achieving their highest points total in Premier League history with 48 points.

This season Bournemouth have made further strides under the Spanish manager, having amassed 45 points from 31 matches - competing for European football in the process.

Style of Football

Iraola like to operate in a 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 possession system, relying on a high press and recovering the ball quickly. Wingers are crucial in this system as his sides score a big portion of goals on the counter-attack.

Bournemouth have forced 61 high turnovers leading to shots in the Premier League this season, the most of any side in the division.

Andoni Iraola: one of the best pressing coaches on the planet. ✅ pic.twitter.com/qgkFCdi4UD

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) April 14, 2025

Defensively his teams are open to conceding and being found out high due to the focus on pressing. However, he likes to employ a defensive midfielder who sits behind the rest of the team on the counter attack in order to have an extra body in the defensive third.

Why would Iraola want to join Spurs?

Tottenham Hotspur have been a managerial graveyard in recent years, having appointed four permanent managers since the dismissal of Mauricio Pochettino in 2019.

This season has seen Spurs have one of their worst campaigns in history, sitting in 15th position after 32 matches - winning just 11 times.

With a history of failing to back managers in the transfer market, selling key players and a toxic environment, the proposal of joining Tottenham isn’t something that appeals to some of the best up-and-coming managers in world football.

However, the prospect of being the one to turn things around at Spurs is something that seems to intrigue many.

🚨 Tottenham Hotspur will make Andoni Iraola their top target if they change the manager this summer. Marco Silva and Thomas Frank also under consideration.

Andoni Iraola has a £10m release clause in his Bournemouth contract.

(Source: @JackPittBrooke, @jaydmharris) pic.twitter.com/qQhzYhJ6JE

— Transfer News Live (@DeadlineDayLive) March 27, 2025

A squad full of youthful talent, some of the best facilities in the world and one of the bigger fan-bases in the country could be something that turns Iraola’s head.

His possession based high-intensity system is something that may be compatible with the squad Spurs currently have.

The likes of Archie Gray, Lucas Bergvall, Djed Spence, Wilson Odobert have stood out as players who would be able to handle the demands of the Spanish manager.

Dominic Solanke is also a familiar face for Iraola, having scored a career-best 18 league goals under the Bournemouth manager just a season ago.

What’s next?

With just seven matches remaining in the Premier League season, Iraola will have a few options to consider heading into the 2025/26 campaign.