Bournemouth appoint Marco Rose as Andoni Iraola’s successor | OneFootball

Bournemouth have announced Marco Rose will take over as the club’s head coach this summer, succeeding Andoni Iraola.

The German has agreed a three-year deal at the Vitality Stadium, with the Cherries moving swiftly to appoint his replacement as part of their long-term project, despite hoping to extend Iraola’s stay.

“AFC Bournemouth is delighted to confirm the appointment of Marco Rose as the club’s new head coach on a three-year contract, which will begin following the conclusion of the 2025/26 season,” read a club statement.

“The 49-year-old arrives on the south coast with a wealth of experience at the highest level of European football.”

Rose, 49, brings a strong track record of player development, having worked with talents such as Erling Haaland, Jude Bellingham and Dominik Szoboszlai during his time at RB Salzburg, Borussia Monchengladbach, and Borussia Dortmund.

Bournemouth’s owners were attracted by his high-pressing, attacking style of play, which they believe aligns with the club’s identity.

Rose, who has been without a club since being sacked by RB Leipzig in March 2025, also boasts Champions League and Europa League experience.

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Andoni Iraola will leave Bournemouth this summer (Reuters)

The appointment follows Iraola’s decision to depart when his contract expires at the end of the season, bringing an end to a highly successful three-year reign.

The 43-year-old Spaniard arrived in Dorset in June 2023, transforming a side that finished 15th under Gary O’Neil.

He guided Bournemouth to 12th place in his first campaign, achieving a then-club record of 48 points, before securing a one-year contract extension.

Last term, the south-coast club finished ninth with a record 56 points and reached the FA Cup quarter-finals.

Bournemouth are currently enjoying a 13-game unbeaten run, sitting eighth in the Premier League table, level on points with sixth-placed Chelsea.

The club statement continued: “The club’s immediate focus remains firmly on finishing the current campaign as strongly as possible, with the players and staff continuing to show full commitment to achieving positive results and building on the current 13-game unbeaten run.

“Everyone at AFC Bournemouth looks forward to welcoming Marco to Vitality Stadium as he begins his role as head coach in the summer.”

Following back-to-back 2-1 away wins at Arsenal and Newcastle, the Cherries begin their final five games at home to FA Cup semi-finalists Leeds on Wednesday evening.

Iraola could yet lead Bournemouth into Europe before he hands over the managerial reins to Rose at the end of the season.

Iraola has been linked with a return to former team Athletic Bilbao, as well as the Manchester United job.