Andoni Iraola described taking Bournemouth into Europe as “almost impossible” after the Cherries secured sixth place with a 1-1 draw against Nottingham Forest. The result means Bournemouth will play in the Europa League for the first time in the club’s history, finishing above Chelsea and Manchester United.
Morgan Gibbs-White put Forest ahead in the first half with a free-kick, but Marcus Tavernier equalised nine minutes into the second half. Despite the draw, Bournemouth’s 18-match unbeaten run to end the season sealed their European spot.
Iraola, who announced his departure in April, said: “I feel so happy because I could not ask for much more. I knew it would be almost impossible to get Europe but the owner told me we want to stay in the Premier League, but I wanted Europe. For me to finish this season giving back to the owner, players, supporters, this European qualification is just one way of thanking everyone.”
The Forest fans stayed behind to applaud Iraola and his team off. The Spaniard added: “Class from the Forest fans. They recognise what we have done.” Iraola also praised his squad for achieving the club’s best-ever Premier League finish and remaining unbeaten in the second half of the campaign.
