Bournemouth appoint Marco Rose as Andoni Iraola successor with European push in sight

Rose has agreed a three-year contract and will officially take charge in the off-season, with the early announcement allowing both the club and incoming head coach to begin preparations for the next campaign. Iraola revealed last week that he would step down when his deal expires, bringing his three-year spell on the south coast to a close.

"Everyone at AFC Bournemouth looks forward to welcoming Marco to Vitality Stadium as he begins his role as head coach in the (English) summer," Bournemouth said.

"The club's immediate focus remains firmly on finishing the current campaign as strongly as possible, with the players and staff continuing to show full commitment to achieving positive results and building on the current 13-game unbeaten run."

Rose arrives with a strong pedigree in European football, despite having never previously managed in England. He has been out of work since leaving RB Leipzig in March 2025, and his resume also includes spells at Borussia Dortmund, Borussia Monchengladbach and Red Bull Salzburg.

During his time in Austria, Rose guided Salzburg to two league titles and a domestic cup, while he later added the DFB-Pokal and DFL-Supercup to his honours with Leipzig. His managerial journey began in 2012 with Lokomotive Leipzig.

Bournemouth's hierarchy acted decisively once Iraola's departure was confirmed, keen to maintain momentum both on and off the pitch. The Cherries are currently enjoying an impressive 13-game unbeaten run and sit eighth in the Premier League, level on goal difference with sixth-placed Chelsea, keeping alive hopes of European qualification.