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The Andoni Iraola Newcastle United press conference has taken place.
The Bournemouth boss speaking to journalists on Friday morning.
Andoni Iraola talking ahead of Saturday’s match at St James’ Park.
Bournemouth the visitors and Eddie Howe currently with an NUFC record against his former club of one win, four draws and one defeat.
Andoni Iraola Newcastle United press conference – 17 January 2025:
“It’s going to be very difficult against Newcastle United, they are flying.
“They have players in great form, especially Alexander Isak and Anthony Gordon.
“Their midfield is super strong, they have a very good squad and almost everyone is available.
“It’s going to be very tough but we are in a good spot, we finished super strong against Chelsea and we are ready for the challenge.”
Andoni Iraola on Eddie Howe, who he is friends with:
“We don’t speak before the games.
“There is no communication one to two weeks before we play.
“But we will probably speak after.
“He is a top coach and every season he has been there, Newcastle are playing very well.”
Andoni Iraola asked if Newcastle United are title contenders?:
“They are not so far off Arsenal, who are title challengers, [but] it’s not a question for me.”
Andoni Iraola on injuries:
“It’s not going to be the most difficult starting eleven to guess.
“We are not going to recover anyone from the other day.
“Half the teams in the Premier League have seven, eight or nine injuries, but in our very small squad, we suffer it more.”
(Bournemouth set to be missing at least nine players on Saturday – Enes Unal, Evanilson, Marcos Senesi, Julian Araujo, Alex Scott, Luis Sinisterra, James Hill, Adam Smith, Marcus Tavernier)
Andoni Iraola on his side’s ten game unbeaten run in all competitions:
“The big merit is the players that we have healthy and available, they have all the excuses to take but they don’t.
“They keep fighting and doing their job and extra, in whatever position and condition.
“I admire them, it’s not easy.”
Andoni Iraola on the club’s striker search:
“It’s not close, it’s difficult in the market.
“No one wants to get rid of number nines.
“It’s a position you sub a lot and you want just in case.
“The club continues to work on it and we have a lot of days in the market.”
“We are not specifically targeting anything other than a number nine.
“When the market is open, you never know.
“If some great player becomes available, why not?”
“We are very short of players so we cannot lose anyone [by letting them leave this transfer window].”

 
