Liverpool could help Bournemouth get into the Champions League at the weekend, depending on what happens with Aston Villa this week, with Andoni Iraola having his say
Departing Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola.(Image: Michael Steele/Getty Images)
While Liverpool is pretty much secured as a Champions League club for next season, Bournemouth will be cheering on the Reds at the weekend if Aston Villa wins the Europa League.
In the event that Unai Emery’s men beat Freiburg in Istanbul later today, sixth spot could become a Champions League place in the Premier League standings, but that would only happen if Aston Villa finishes fifth.
For that to unfold, Liverpool would need to beat Brentford on Sunday. Aston Villa would need to beat Freiburg and then lose to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium — a very plausible scenario — with Arne Slot’s side three points behind but with a better goal difference.
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Bournemouth needs a point against Nottingham Forest to guarantee sixth place. Brighton is three points behind, so if the Seagulls beat Manchester United and the Cherries lose at the City Ground, Fabian Hurzeler’s men could get Champions League soccer.
Andoni Iraola, in his final game as Bournemouth boss before Marco Rose takes over in the summer, is hoping that Liverpool can help do his side a favor.
“We have a special group of players,” he said after drawing with Manchester City. “They are consistent and always there. Right now, there is nothing about my future in my head; I just want to celebrate and push it.
Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth this summer(Image: Robin Jones – AFC Bournemouth, AFC Bournemouth via Getty Images)
“We have the Europa League; next, let’s maximize our options. Can we take the last Champions League spot? I still don’t know where I will go, but I’m in no rush. Let’s finish on a high.”
In tying with Manchester City, Bournemouth helped Arsenal as the Gunners were confirmed as Premier League champions.
“I have to congratulate Mikel Arteta and also Arsenal, and Kepa [Arrizabalaga], who was here with us last season,” Iraola continued.
“I am very happy for them, I think they have done such a special job in the past seasons and it was a little bit unfair they were always there, close, but I think finally they have what they deserve.
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“I am very happy from that side and we were really trying to get Europe and focusing on Bournemouth, but now I think also we have to congratulate Mikel and all of his team.”
Speaking ahead of his last home game in charge of Bournemouth, Iraola outlined his desire to get over the line in the race for the European places.
“It would be the best way to finish these amazing three seasons,” Iraola said.
“Especially this year, it has been really challenging for me as a coach because we’ve changed the team a lot and we’ve changed, not completely our style, but it’s a different type of football comparing to last season. It would be the best way to end it.”
