Football Season Guide

After a slow start to the season, Bournemouth ended a historic 2025/26 campaign with a spectacular 18-game unbeaten streak to finish sixth and clinch a Europa League spot – the first time they qualify for a European competition in club history. Yet, with that unprecedented achievement came the departure of coach Andoni Iraola, who turned himself into a club legend before leaving this summer. Defence leader Marcos Senesi also parted ways with Bournemouth, but James Hill’s form at the end of last season suggested that he can take over alongside either Bafode Diakite or new signing Antonio Silva. Meanwhile, Iraola was replaced by former Dortmund and RB Leipzig boss Marco Rose, who is expected to maintain the same fast, high-pressing, and attacking style of play as Bournemouth demonstrated in their pre-season friendlies. The Cherries are well stocked in the middle third, with the likes of Ryan Christie, Lewis Cook, Tyler Adams, Alex Toth and Justin Kluivert providing quality and variety. In addition, prodigious forwards Eli Kroupi and Rayan add plenty of excitement to Bournemouth's attack. Yet, overall squad depth might be a concern as juggling European fixtures alongside intense domestic Premier League demands will severely test the squad's rotation options.