Iraola: “The Opportunity Is There” as Bournemouth Eye Europe

Andoni Iraola has made it clear - AFC Bournemouth’s push for Europe is no longer a distant ambition, but a very real possibility heading into Sunday’s clash with Crystal Palace.

With just four games remaining, the Cherries sit firmly in contention after a remarkable run of form that has seen them go 14 Premier League games unbeaten - the longest current streak in the division. It has propelled Bournemouth into seventh place, lowered to eighth after Brentford's win over West Ham - but regardless, it represents their highest position at this stage of a top-flight season, and within touching distance of European qualification.

But, speaking in the Bournemouth Daily Echo, Iraola is under no illusions about what is required.

"The opportunity is there. I think we are in a very good place but we still need a lot of points. The situation is very tight. If we want to get Europe, we have to win games. We have four chances (like the others) starting from Sunday against Palace. We don't have an easy game so we will have to earn everything but I think we have shown that we want to take this opportunity and we arrive to this decisive moment in a good place."

Despite favourable results elsewhere in recent weeks, the Bournemouth boss is refusing to be distracted by what other teams are doing in a congested race for European places.

"There is always good results and bad results normally. At the end, there are so many teams that if you don't do your job, it's impossible. I don't think it's worth it to look at the other teams now".

"So then we need to win points and we don't have easy games, but we need to win points. If we win our points, probably we will be there, and I don't think it's really worth it to look too much to the others."

The task begins with Crystal Palace - a side Iraola knows will present a stern test, despite his unbeaten record against them.

"It is very difficult to score against Palace, they defend so well, they are so organised and it is a very well coached team. They know what they are doing and it is difficult to create clear chances against them. Every detail is going to be very important. Normally they start games very well. We also have to start strong".

That need for sharpness from the first whistle feels particularly relevant given Bournemouth’s mixed record at home against sides around them this season - an issue they must overcome if they are to take the next step.

As for what it will take to secure a European finish, Iraola admits the exact target remains unclear - but the margins are fine.

"We really don't know. You need a good amount of points in these four games because there are a lot of teams in the fight. Everyone is fighting and has difficult games. We need to win at least two games, maybe three".

There is, however, a growing belief inside the dressing room that something special is within reach - something Iraola highlighted with a telling anecdote involving club captain Adam Smith.

"I say Adam Smith is normally very realistic, quite pessimistic, I would say, when he was talking about Europe and this, I say maybe we have a chance. Maybe we have a chance because if Adam thinks, no, we can, we can get it"

"It means that they see it possible! And I think it speaks well about the players."

That belief, combined with momentum, has given Bournemouth a genuine shot at history. Now, with Palace next up at Dean Court, the equation is simple.

Four games. A handful of wins required. And a place in Europe within reach.

The opportunity, as Iraola says, is there - but it must be taken.