Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola says his side’s Premier League opener against Liverpool will be a big test.
The Cherries travel to Anfield to face the reigning champions on Friday in the opening game of the 2025/26 season.
Iraola has managed to keep most of his squad together this summer, tying Antoine Semenyo down to a new contract but seeing Dean Huijsen depart for Real Madrid and Milos Kerkez to this weekend’s opponents.
Regardless, the Spaniard is aware of how strong Arne Slot’s men are, but promises his side will give a good account of themselves.
Speaking in his first pre-match press conference of the season, he said: “Pre-season is always the time for preparation but it has been a good pre-season.
We travelled to the United States and played three very difficult games.
“We are [playing in] the first game and a lot of people will be watching us, it will be a big game. It’s going to be a good test for us and a place where we can see where we are at.”
“It’s not about [us taking] the next step, it’s about preparing for the next season.”
Trouble in the transfer market
On top of his comments about Liverpool, Iraola could not help but jab at Bournemouth’s lack of transfer activity.
The Cherries signed Adrien Truffert from Stade Rennais to replace Kerkez, Bafode Diakite for Huijsen and goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic, who will take the place of Kepa Arrizabalaga, who returned to Chelsea before being loaned out to Arsenal.
Iraola added: “We are not where we want to be [with transfers] but there have been a lot of changes and when the transfer market ends there will have been some important movements.
“I hope we can adjust and do it quickly so that we can focus for the beginning of the season.”
