Andoni Iraola's Winning Formula Revealed: Unveiling Bournemouth's New Boss and His Inspirations from Marcelo Bielsa

"Andoni Iraola greets us with a smile and declares, "Here, miracles are not to be expected." However, the accomplishments of the Rayo Vallecano manager over his three-year tenure at one of LaLiga's smallest clubs, operating on a significantly smaller budget compared to their competitors, may come close to resembling one.

Just two years ago, Rayo found themselves trapped in the second tier, with their deteriorating stadium, consisting of only three stands, wedged between towering residential buildings in a corner of Madrid. Today, they are fiercely vying for a chance to qualify for Europe, a feat they have achieved only once in their 99-year history."

Barcelona and Real Madrid have both suffered defeats, not just once but three times. This is quite an accomplishment for a team that was promoted through the play-offs as the sixth-best in Segunda. What makes it even more impressive is that all but two of their starters this season were part of that same team.

Under Iraola's management, Rayo have only spent transfer fees on six players in the span of three years. On average, these fees have amounted to just £2m. While there have been some loan deals and signings of free agents, such as Radamel Falcao, the manager has been content with the squad he already had at his disposal.

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"I consider myself fortunate to have come across a dedicated group of players who have been determined to achieve remarkable success since the moment I arrived," expresses Iraola, speaking via Zoom from the training facility of the club.

"In the final analysis, the players' performance determines their skill level. It is indeed challenging to consistently showcase their abilities week after week, especially when facing opponents who, in terms of market value, may have the upper hand. However, our team is demonstrating that we possess players capable of competing against top-tier teams."

Notably, our team also benefits from the expertise of our manager, Iraola, who has garnered a reputation as one of Spain's finest and most dynamic coaches through his work at Rayo. This was evident when Leeds United attempted to secure the 40-year-old as Jesse Marsch's successor, long before they eventually turned to Sam Allardyce."

"I was honored that they considered me as a potential coach," Iraola expresses. "I had discussions with Rayo Vallecano, who were ultimately responsible for making the decision, and I also recognized that Rayo wished to retain my services."

Despite this, the club's leadership stood firm in their decision, determined to retain Iraola during the ongoing season, and he did not try to push the matter. However, was he personally disappointed that the timing did not align?

"Iraola dismisses any speculation about what could have been and emphasizes that the decision was clear-cut. Both Rayo Vallecano and Leeds were open in their discussions, and after just one day, they mutually agreed that it was not the right time to proceed. It is as simple as that."

I am grateful to be considered as an option, but I am truly content with my current work at Rayo Vallecano. I wish Leeds the best for the remainder of the season, but at the moment, our focus is on our own success and we are not dwelling too much on other possibilities.

The question of whether Leeds will pursue me again at the end of the season remains uncertain. Prioritizing Premier League survival is crucial. However, even though my contract with Rayo is set to end in June, Iraola is not looking too far into the future, despite his admiration for English football.

I am very pleased they thought of me as an option, but I am also very happy here working for Rayo Vallecano. I hope they finish the season well.

"But I am aware that the Premier League is currently considered the leading league, primarily due to its vast financial resources. Money plays a significant role in determining a league's status, and at present, the Premier League undoubtedly boasts the highest financial capabilities. However, I cannot predict whether I will have the opportunity I desire to manage in this esteemed league in the future."

As managers, we are unable to formulate long-term strategies. While things may be going well at the moment, it is crucial to acknowledge that setbacks are inevitable, causing our available choices to dwindle.

Our focus needs to be on the short-term goals. Prioritizing the upcoming training session, the next game, and the affairs related to my role in Rayo Vallecano is essential. Only then can we assess the situation and determine our next course of action.

I don't believe it's productive to plan three, four, or five years ahead. If I continue performing effectively, there may come a time when I have the opportunity to join the Premier League. However, if circumstances don't go as planned, I may need to consider alternative paths.

Currently, my focus is solely on the present moment. I am extremely content with the club and the players I am coaching, and I am continuously learning and growing in this role.

Bielsa influence and offensive 'disorder'

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Andoni Iraola played under Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Club Bilbao

Playing under Marcelo Bielsa at Athletic Club Bilbao for two seasons was a fortunate experience for Iraola. The former right-back considers Bielsa, who has recently been appointed as Uruguay's new head coach, as one of his major influences. Iraola believes that Bielsa has a unique perspective on football, and those two seasons were incredibly beneficial for him in terms of acquiring new knowledge and improving his skills.

Iraola has embraced the concept of offensive "disorder" as a core principle in his coaching philosophy. Similar to Bielsa, he trains his Rayo players to attack opponents rapidly and with directness.

Ander Murillo, a friend and former team-mate of Iraola, who is now the sporting director of AEK Larnaca, the Cypriot club where Iraola began his senior managerial career, aptly describes Iraola's style of football as "rock and roll". This description amuses Iraola, but it is an accurate representation.

"We truly thrive in high-tempo games," Iraola explains. "We thrive on running extensively. We don't necessarily require complete control in every single play, but we possess the physical endurance and determination to constantly move up and down the pitch."

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Alvaro Garcia, a forward on the team, had the opportunity to play under Andoni Iraola during his time at Rayo. It is worth noting that Rayo Vallecano is also recognized for their playing style. Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti praised their "beautiful football" earlier this season, and when it comes to possession statistics, Rayo Vallecano ranks eighth in LaLiga.

"We are not actively seeking possession of the ball because I believe we perform better without it," explains Iraola. "Our focus lies in reclaiming and regaining possession aggressively, which grants us ample time on the ball. However, this is not a style we particularly prefer.

"When we successfully regain possession, I believe it is essential to take risks. I am not fond of playing it safe with a 'security pass' to the goalkeeper or starting the build-up from the back. Although there are instances where it is necessary, this approach does not define us. We thrive in rapid counter-attacks, capitalizing on the moment we regain possession as high up the field as possible."

I believe we can achieve more goals by adopting this approach rather than starting from the back. Occasionally, we may score by initiating the play from the goalkeeper with a series of passes, but the number of goals scored through this method is significantly lower.

Iraola considers the season he dedicated to enhancing his understanding of this aspect of the game under Patrick Vieira at New York City FC as a pivotal milestone in his journey towards becoming a manager. "Vieira is an exceptional coach who provided me with a fresh perspective," he affirms.

But his preference was always for full-throttle football and that can now be seen in the ferociousness of Rayo's pressing.

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Stats correct as of May 17, 2023

According to Opta, they are leading in LaLiga this season for high turnovers that result in shots. They are ranked third, just behind Real Sociedad and Barcelona, in terms of PPDA, which measures the average number of opposition passes allowed per defensive action.

In contrast to Bielsa's approach, Iraola does not employ a man-to-man marking system. Instead, he focuses on pressing high and being aggressive without possession, but with a unique structure.

At Rayo, a club deeply rooted in the working-class and rebellious district of Vallecas, connecting with supporters is equally important.

"We embody a community that embraces this style of play," explains Iraola. "It is the essence of Rayo fans' identity. They are dedicated individuals who thrive on this sense of belonging on the field, and that is what they expect from the players. It is our responsibility to deliver."

This synergy creates a unique atmosphere within our 14,708-seat stadium, and Iraola emphasizes the importance of chemistry and unity. His unwavering faith in the players who helped Rayo achieve promotion also mirrors Bielsa's approach at Leeds.

Our neighborhood embraces a distinctive style of play, which has become an integral part of Rayo fans' identity. They are known for their relentless work ethic and take immense pride in embodying this spirit on the field.

"We understand the importance of chemistry when facing challenging times, as it helps us persevere and work together as a team," Andoni Iraola comments. "Having experienced the toughness of playing in the second division, we are determined to compete against some of the top teams in the world."

This group of players is dedicated to proving themselves every single week, not just relying on past successes. They understand the importance of consistently showing their abilities in every training session and throughout each season.

And, as impressive as it may be, Andoni Iraola - Leeds United's one who got away - will be first to tell you that it is no miracle.

This article was first published on May 17, 2023