Andoni Iraola declines to comment on Chelsea vacancy 'out of respect' to Bournemouth

AFC BournemouthArsenalAston VillaBrentfordBrighton & Hove AlbionBurnleyChelseaCrystal PalaceEvertonFulhamLeeds UnitedLiverpoolManchester CityManchester UnitedNewcastle UnitedNottingham ForestSunderlandTottenham HotspurWest Ham UnitedWolverhampton WanderersScores & ScheduleStandingsFantasyThe Athletic FC NewsletterPodcastsAndoni Iraola declines to comment on Chelsea vacancy ‘out of respect’ to BournemouthIraola will Bournemouth at the end of the season Alex Livesey/Getty Images Share articleAndoni Iraola has declined to address any possible interest from Chelsea in him becoming their next permanent head coach after Liam Rosenior’s sacking on Wednesday. Earlier this month, the Bournemouth head coach confirmed he would leave the Premier League club in the summer at the expiry of his current contract in Dorset. The 43-year-old has overseen Bournemouth’s highest-ever top-flight points tallies over the past two seasons and could surpass that 2024-25 record (56) before the end of this campaign. Iraola is expected to be in demand across Europe’s big five leagues this summer, but will not entertain any questions on where he may move while he is still employed by Bournemouth. Chelsea sacked Liam Rosenior on Wednesday after a run of five consecutive league defeats without scoring a goal. The Stamford Bridge outfit have already confirmed Calum McFarlane will take interim charge of their first team for the rest of this campaign. Speaking to reporters after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw with Leeds United, Iraola was asked if he would be interested in speaking to Chelsea about any prospective interest in hiring him. “No, I think I said it when I announced I was not continuing here,” he said. “For me, now, it’s about Bournemouth. Four games. We have an incredible position, (an) incredible fight (ahead). “(This) past week, you were asking me about other clubs. I don’t know exactly which ones, but also, as a sign of respect for Bournemouth, I cannot talk right now about my future because it’s not what worries the Bournemouth supporters.” Bournemouth are seventh in the Premier League with four games to go, one point above Chelsea. Spot the pattern. Connect the terms Find the hidden link between sports terms