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Former Bundesliga coach emerges as leading contender to replace Iraola at Bournemouth
Apr 15 2026 08:12 · By onefootball.com · 15 Reads
Former RB Leipzig coach Marco Rose has emerged as the leading contender to replace Andoni Iraola at Bournemouth.
The Premier League outfit are in the market for a new manager, with Iraola leaving the Vitality Stadium this summer at the end of his contract .
The Spaniard took over as head coach in 2023, initially on a two-year deal before signing an extension last summer.
He led Bournemouth to a ninth-placed finish in the Premier League last season, setting a new club-record points tally.
The Cherries had hoped to retain the 43-year-old, but the two parties failed to reach an agreement over a new contract.
According to The Guardian , former Borussia Dortmund coach Rose is the leading candidate to replace Iraola.
The German was most recently the manager of RB Leipzig, who sacked him last month after poor results in the Bundesliga and in Europe.
However, Rose is regarded as an elite coach who has a strong reputation for improving young players and implementing an intense pressing style.
Kieran McKenna is also said to be on Bournemouth’s shortlist.
The Northern Irishman is viewed as one of the brightest young managers in Europe.
He guided Ipswich to Premier League promotion, and has built a progressive, high-energy side with a clear identity.
But it remains to be seen whether McKenna would be willing to jump ship from the Tractor Boys, who are currently sitting second in the Championship table .