Bournemouth`s 42-year-old manager, Andoni Iraola, is reportedly taking on a `secret agent` role aimed at hindering Manchester United`s progress this season. Iraola intends to reach out to Ernesto Valverde, the 61-year-old manager of Athletic Bilbao, to offer a detailed report on Manchester United ahead of Bilbao`s Europa League semi-final first leg scheduled for Thursday.
This willingness to assist stems from Iraola`s deep connection to Athletic Bilbao, the club he supported as a boy and where he made over 500 appearances as a player. Notably, 156 of those matches were played under the management of Ernesto Valverde. Iraola regards their relationship highly, referring to Valverde as potentially the “most special coach” he has ever had.
Iraola recently had the opportunity for a direct assessment of Manchester United when his Bournemouth team played them in the Premier League on Sunday. Despite finishing with ten men after Evanilson was sent off, Bournemouth were minutes away from victory before Rasmus Hojlund`s late equalizer cancelled out Antoine Semenyo`s opening goal.
Confirming his intention to share his insights, Iraola stated when asked about speaking to his former manager: “Yes, probably we will speak. We have a very good relationship… He has probably been the most special coach I’ve ever had and I wish him the best.”
Iraola also carries a personal history against the Red Devils, having captained the Athletic Bilbao side that eliminated Manchester United from the Europa League in the 2012 campaign, beating them both at home and away.
He openly expressed his allegiance, saying: “I’m not going to hide it that I also want Athletic Club to win the Europa League. So definitely I will also support Athletic Club.” This desire is further fueled by the prospect of the Europa League final being held at Athletic Bilbao’s home stadium, San Mames, on May 21.
