Bournemouth finished sixth in the Premier League, earning qualification for the Europa League for the first time in their history on May 25, 2026 [1, 2]. The club ended the season with 57 points, winning 13 of their 38 matches [1, 2].
Manager Andoni Iraola, who took over the club in 2023, called the achievement "almost impossible" when he joined but said it was a perfect end to his time at Bournemouth [1, 2]. "I had no idea (about reaching Europe when joining). The first thing from the club was more than the results, changing the style, changing the approach, being more offensive and proactive – that's why they signed me," Iraola said [1].
Iraola, 43, announced in April 2026 that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of the season [1, 2]. He expressed gratitude toward the players, fans, and owner for their support over his three seasons. "I knew it was almost impossible to get Europe but the owner told me since the beginning, 'I want Europe.' To finish the three seasons giving back, not just to the owner but the fans and players, it is one way of thanking them," he added [1].
Bournemouth’s rise has been rapid, considering the club was in the third tier of English football just 13 years ago [1, 2]. Iraola’s initial focus was on revamping the team’s style to be more attacking and proactive rather than chasing immediate results [1, 2]. The successful strategy culminated in the club’s highest-ever Premier League finish.
The club now prepares for its first-ever European campaign in the upcoming 2026-27 season, marking a new milestone in Bournemouth’s history.