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Andoni Iraola vows to help Athletic Bilbao beat Man Utd in Europa League clash
Cheeky from the Bournemouth head coach...
AFC Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has vowed to help his former club Athletic Bilbao beat Manchester United in the Europa League semi-finals.
The Red Devils face the La Liga side on Thursday at the San Mames Stadium in the first leg, hoping to continue their push for this season’s title.
United have endured a horrific campaign domestically but could save their season if they manage to get their hands on the Europa League trophy.
Iraola, though, who has a long association with Athletic Bilbao, will hold talks with Ernesto Valverde about how to eliminate Ruben Amorim’s side.
Iraola helped Bournemouth clinch a 3-0 victory over United at Old Trafford this season before the sides drew 1-1 at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday.
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Speaking after the match, Cherries head coach Iraola was quizzed if he would get on the phone to Athletic Bilbao manager Valverde to share his tactical insight on the Red Devils before the Europa League semi-finals.
‘Yes, probably we will speak,’ Iraola confirmed. ‘We have a very good relationship.’
Iraola played over 500 games for Athletic Bilbao before he entered management and worked under Valverde in his previous spell in charge.
‘He (Valverde) has probably been the most special coach I’ve ever had and I wish him the best,’ Iraola added.
‘We are very lucky, the Athletic Club supporters, to have him right now. I hope he goes all the way and wins it, because he fully deserves it.
‘I’m not going to hide it that I also want Athletic Club to win the Europa League. So definitely I will also support Athletic Club.’
Iraola has previously described beating United in 2012 as ‘one of the best days’ of his football career.
The former right-back, 42, captained Athletic Bilbao to victory over United in the Europa League 13 years ago.
AFC Bournemouth appeal Evanilson red card vs Manchester United
Meanwhile, Bournemouth have lodged an official appeal to the Premier League over the red card shown to Evanilson against United on Sunday.
The striker was sent off for a foul on Noussair Mazraoui in the 70th minute, a decision which left Iraola furious, given that Evanilson clearly slipped.
‘Everyone who has played football understands,’ the Bournemouth head coach said. ‘He slips.
‘He doesn’t catch him with the leg that goes high and the consequence is a red card. It is another three games without playing.
‘The repercussions for us are huge. Of course we are going to appeal. It is common sense.
‘In the first half Evanilson gets a kick in the chest by Casemiro. I don’t think you should have a red card for this. But the VAR cuts the worst angle, the worst frame.’
