David Brooks has revealed that the Bournemouth squad were not surprised by Andoni Iraola's appointment as Liverpool's new head coach, stating they always knew the Spaniard was destined for a top club.
Iraola was confirmed as Liverpool boss on Thursday, signing a two-year contract to replace the dismissed Arne Slot. The 43-year-old emerged as the Premier League club's primary target after transforming Bournemouth's fortunes, guiding them to 12th, ninth, and sixth-place finishes in the top flight with an attractive, high-energy attacking style.
The Cherries will compete in the Europa League next season, marking their first ever European campaign. Speaking after scoring for Wales in a 2-1 friendly defeat to Romania in Bucharest, Brooks said: 'I feel like once he left Bournemouth after three really good seasons, we knew he was going to a top team. We didn't know who it was going to be or where it was going to be. I wish him all the success there. He has been good for me, my career and he has given Bournemouth European football.'
Iraola's Departure and Links
Iraola announced in April that he would leave Bournemouth at the end of his contract this summer. He had been linked with several clubs, including his former side Athletic Bilbao, Crystal Palace, Bayer Leverkusen and AC Milan, before Liverpool made their move.
Brooks added: 'There is no animosity towards him or any of the staff that go with him. We wish him all the best, just not when we play him.'
Iraola's Excitement for Anfield
Iraola expressed his eagerness to begin his tenure at Anfield. At his unveiling, he said: 'Really excited, really excited, because obviously you know about Liverpool, you know that it is a big club, a massive club, one of the biggest in the world. But feeling inside and understanding a little bit more of this club, I always thought it is a special club. Not about the football side, also because what people think about even during the week, how they are passionate about the club and everyone, the ones who like football, the ones that probably are not as interested. But I have some experience with Athletic Club [as a player] that I could in some ways familiarise, but it is going to be fun to experience it from the inside.'
