However, Iraola would encounter conditions in both Liverpool and Leverkusen that he has not faced before: individualists who rank among the league’s best in quality and can accelerate his tactical growth in ways that were not possible at Bournemouth.
In Leverkusen, at least, the task would be clear: after the miscommunication with Erik ten Hag and the roller-coaster relationship with Kasper Hjulmand, the Werkself are again searching for a coach who imprints a recognisable style and turns promising youngsters into future stars. That profile mirrors Xabi Alonso, with whom Iraola shares more than Basque roots. Both played for Antiguoko, a suburban club in San Sebastian, at a very young age, just like Arteta.
There, and across the Basque Country, team spirit and humility are taught and lived, a former teammate told the English tabloid The Sun.
“There’s a strong sense of doing things together,” said Jon Ayerbe, who once played alongside Alonso, Iraola and Arteta. “Nobody tries to stand out from the rest. This attitude is deeply rooted in society here, and you can see it clearly in Xabi and Andoni: level-headed, intelligent and not arrogant.”
The reason for his departure from Bournemouth remains unclear, but it probably fits a career plan that, after three years in La Liga and three in the Premier League, now seeks a fresh football culture. “The decision gave me headaches,” Iraola admitted, “but once you’ve made up your mind, you feel relief, and that helped me enjoy the last few months.” He explained, “I’m so, so happy to give something back to the club and the players.”
One thing is certain: whether in Liverpool, Leverkusen or elsewhere, no one will ask, “who on earth is this bloke?” Andoni Iraola has already made a name for himself.