The Premier League's Next Great Tactician?: Running The Game with Andoni Iraola
Men In Blazers
Deep Dive
What was Andoni Iraola's first managerial role and what did he achieve there?
Andoni Iraola's first managerial role was at AEK Larnaca in Cyprus in June 2018. He won the Cypriot Super Cup and qualified the team for the Europa League for the second time in the club's history.
How did Patrick Vieira influence Andoni Iraola's transition into management?
Patrick Vieira influenced Andoni Iraola's transition into management by introducing him to a different footballing philosophy focused on possession and positional play during their time together at NYC FC. This experience broadened Iraola's tactical understanding and sparked his interest in coaching.
What is the core philosophy of an Andoni Iraola team?
The core philosophy of an Andoni Iraola team is to play a very vertical, high-intensity style of football. He emphasizes physicality, rhythm, and a forward-thinking approach, but remains adaptable to different tactical setups if they promise better results.
What challenges did Andoni Iraola face when he first joined Bournemouth?
When Andoni Iraola first joined Bournemouth, he faced the challenge of transforming the team from one of the deepest defensive lines in the Premier League to a more front-footed, attacking style. The team initially struggled, going winless in the first nine games, but eventually adapted and improved.
How does Andoni Iraola approach tactical adjustments during a match?
Andoni Iraola approaches tactical adjustments during a match by making quick, informed decisions based on the opponent's setup. He emphasizes the importance of adaptability and relies on players who can understand and execute changes on the fly, often making multiple micro-adjustments throughout the game.
What role does fitness play in Andoni Iraola's coaching philosophy?
Fitness is a crucial component of Andoni Iraola's coaching philosophy. He believes in building habits through daily training with high intensity and reaction speed, which aligns with the team's playing style. His fitness coach, Pablo de la Torre, has been instrumental in implementing this approach.
How does Andoni Iraola handle half-time team talks?
Andoni Iraola focuses on practical adjustments and tactical changes during half-time team talks, avoiding excessive emotional reactions. He aims to keep the players' heads clear and focused on the second half, ensuring they understand the necessary changes without feeling overwhelmed.
What does Andoni Iraola consider a successful game, even if the team loses?
Andoni Iraola considers a game successful if the team plays well collectively, even if they lose. He values a cohesive, balanced performance over individual brilliance, believing that long-term success comes from a collective mindset rather than isolated moments of excellence.
How does Andoni Iraola develop his tactical ideas for upcoming matches?
Andoni Iraola develops his tactical ideas through a structured weekly workflow involving meetings with staff, analysts, and players. He also finds inspiration in random moments, often jotting down notes during everyday activities, which he later refines into a cohesive game plan.
What is Andoni Iraola's perspective on the role of players in tactical execution?
Andoni Iraola believes that players must take live decisions during games and adapt to changing situations. He emphasizes the importance of clear, simple instructions and trusts players to execute the game plan, especially those in key positions like the number six, eight, and ten, who act as the team's tactical brain.
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