Andoni Iraola: Bournemouth manager in his own words
Kelly: How was it to grow? Talk about your family.
Andoni: Since I was 10 or 11, I always went to school on the train to San Sebastian. After school, I got on a bus and after finishing the training, my father came to take me. Both families were working – they always work. I’ve been used to moving myself since I was good for my independence. When I moved, I was 16 years old and had to go to a new place. I was living alone, it’s not the easiest thing. But I think this was good for me.
Kelly: Did you have a brother?
Andoni: NO.
Kelly: Who did you play football by growing up?
Andoni: In Spain, when you have a school, you have the morning, you have lunch, then there are two hours free. Some people go home and then come for the afternoon and evening classes, so it was two half of the day. I always played football between them. I couldn’t return home, so I stayed there playing football.
Kelly: If you were not a professional football player or manager, what would you do?
Andoni: I started two careers. I never finished! I started engineering – very ambitious because I was already playing football. I did more than half of your career, but I didn’t finish it.
Kelly: How do you run away from football?
Andoni: Quite easy for me. I have my wife and two children and they are not in football. After leaving the working environment, I go home and sometimes we don’t talk about football. Very good for me. One day when I get permission, my wife puts a lot of plans!
Kelly: Your family traveled with you. Is it important to have them with you?
Andoni: My family is very important. They sacrifice a lot. I go from country to country, they need to come to the best clubs with my opportunity to go and come with me. I’m so clear that I can’t do that without them. If they tell me one day ‘I want to go home’, I leave. We’il go home. I know that I’m a hero in my career, my children will be older and I’m not a boss anymore. I will be happy and we will return home and be the support team behind it. I know that this moment will come.
Kelly: If your wife didn’t plan anything for your day’s day, what would you do for yourself?
Andoni: I live somewhere for nature and walks – Bournemouth is one of the best places in the country.
Kelly: I read that you were big in reading. Is this a way to escape?
Andoni: Yes. It is a great help to read for me. You forget a little about everything around you. This is something that helps me from the mental side. I use reading and using bike. They’re two ways to forget the problems you’ve always experienced when you’re a manager.
