Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola has delivered an honest and measured assessment of his side’s current level, admitting the Cherries are still some way off Manchester United as he urged patience and tactical discipline ahead of their upcoming challenge.
Speaking after his side’s latest outing, Iraola acknowledged the quality and pace of United, praising their recruitment and intensity while stressing that
Bournemouth are still a work in progress.
“We are very far right now from United,” Iraola said. “I think United are a hell of a team and they have signed also very well. Today we saw they are more fast in this moment, and that is what counts.”
Despite the sobering comparison, the Bournemouth boss was keen to strike a balanced tone, warning against overreaction to recent performances — both positive and negative.
“We still have time to prepare,” he added. “We are not as good as we looked the other day and not as bad as we looked today. We are somewhere in the middle.”
Iraola underlined the importance of getting the tactical approach right if Bournemouth are to compete, insisting that structure, discipline, and belief will be crucial against elite opposition.
“We need to play a good tactical game,” he said. “I trust the boys.”
With expectations tempered but confidence intact, Bournemouth will look to lean on organisation and togetherness as they prepare to test themselves against one of the Premier League’s heavyweights, knowing that fine margins and smart decision-making could prove decisive 🍒
