Bournemouth are set for a bold new era, agreeing a deal in principle for Marco Rose to replace departing boss Andoni Iraola. With his philosophy aligned and intensity assured, the Cherries might be looking primed to evolve, and not rebuild - an exciting future.
AFC Bournemouth have reached an agreement in principle with Marco Rose to become the club’s next manager, with the German lined up to replace Andoni Iraola. The breakthrough comes on the same day that Iraola faced the media for the first time since confirming his decision to leave, adding further weight to the sense of transition already building around the Vitality Stadium.
Andoni's Departure
Talking about his impending exit from the Cherries, the surprise to many Bournemouth fans was learning that Iraola had no future plans, despite his intention to leave.
"It has not been a clear decision. Always during this process, this season, I've been talking to the club about the situations. They were very aware that this could happen and there is not always one main reason".
"The decision was not about any other club. There has been no other club involved, and it was about continuing here or not continuing here. I don't know what I'm going to do next season"
Marco Rose Links
Rose's name has been mentioned every since Iraola's Tuesday announcement, and with links escalating through the week, Sky Sports journalist Mark McAdam - a person who always has his finger on the pulse when it comes to AFC Bournemouth news, said:
"Bournemouth have an agreement in principle with Marco Rose to become their new Head Coach. The 49-year-old will start work in the summer but a deal agreed now allows him and the club to plan for next season. Rose was always their number one target to replace Iraola".
Other journalists including Ben Jacobs, Fabrizio Romano and Alex Crook, were also quick to reveal the news:
As we mentioned in a previous article which analysed Marco Rose's footballing style, the move seems to make perfect sense on the pitch. Outgoing boss, Andoni Iraola has turned Bournemouth into a Premier League side known for high-intensity pressing, quick transitions and fearless attacking football.
Footballing Philopsophy
Rose’s philosophy is almost identical, and it is influenced by his former Mainz coach Jürgen Klopp. He demands "emotionality, hunger and being active". His teams sprint relentlessly to win the ball high up the pitch and launch fast, vertical attacks - something that Cherries fans are all too used to over the past three seasons.
Maximum Continuity
That stylistic fit should allow the Cherries to keep progressing without any painful rebuild and maximum continuity, and whisper it, some Bournemouth fans are even regarding this move as a potential "upgrade", as Rose arrives with serious pedigree.
His credentials include winning back-to-back Austrian titles with RB Salzburg, reaching the Champions League quarter-finals with Borussia Dortmund (coaching Haaland and Bellingham by the way), and he later managed RB Leipzig.
His Personality
Character-wise, Bournemouth fans will appreciate his passion, as off the pitch, he is a high-energy character - animated and vocal on the touchline - often seen shouting instructions and urging his players forward – yet he is equally praised for his calm man-management and strong personal relationships. Indeed, he is heavily influenced by Klopp.
For Bournemouth fans, we should expect continuity with added intensity. After Iraola’s successful spell, Rose’s blend of elite experience, pressing DNA and infectious personality looks an ideal next step.
The announcement is expected imminently, and the Vitality Stadium could soon be rocking to a new, even louder German beat. This could be huge.
