Iraola Discusses Bournemouth’s Strategy for Replacing Dominic Solanke

Dominic Solanke’s departure was a key subject during Andoni Iraola’s recent news conference, held in advance of Bournemouth’s match against Tottenham on Thursday. The England international had played for the club on the south coast for five years prior to his transfer to the Lilywhites this past summer, and Iraola was questioned regarding the procedure for finding his replacement. Iraola stated, “We wished in that moment that it didn’t happen, but all summer the club was working in case someone came with the money [for Solanke] and the transfer happened.” He further elaborated on the club’s approach, saying, “We are in a moment now when the club knows what we need in every position and what we are going to demand from a player in that position. You are never going to find the exact player. One player has this [trait], but probably lacks this.” The manager also commented on the transfer market dynamics: “They [the club] have probably analysed much better than me. The club analyses the players and the market. One day a player is available and next week he’s not. The market is very difficult – I don’t like it. I don’t want to get too involved. I try to help and analyse from the options. “Some players you see and you don’t like from first sight – you see something that is difficult to teach. ” Concluding his remarks on the subject, Iraola added, “It’s always difficult to replace someone who has performed so much, but I think the club had a plan. I’m happy because I think Evanilson is playing very well and is helping the team to play well. I hope he can continue on the line he has been playing in the last games.”