Andoni Iraola emphasizes his commitment to taking cup competitions seriously, regardless of the team’s league form. The Cherries recently advanced to the fourth round of the FA Cup, showcasing their resilience by overcoming Queens Park Rangers with a 3-2 victory after falling behind.Despite sitting in mid-table in the Premier League with a comfortable 10-point cushion above the relegation zone, Iraola emphasizes that the approach to cup competitions is not a matter of choice but a commitment to fielding a strong team.##NAJAVA_MECA_7789131##He notes that earlier in the season, during the Carabao Cup campaign, the team maintained a serious approach even when facing challenges in the league. Iraola, with a strong cup pedigree, has previously guided Mirandes and Rayo Vallecano to the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey in Spain. This commitment to prioritizing cup competitions showcases the team’s determination to succeed on multiple fronts and maintain a competitive edge in various tournaments.Asked where the FA Cup ranks in his priorities for this season, Iraola got philosophical. “I don’t see the competitions like you have to choose, or think if it is a good moment to try and go for the cup, whatever our position in the league. We were very bad at the beginning of the season, we weren’t winning games, and we tried our best in the Carabao Cup and did really well. We lost in the end against Liverpool, but we gave ourselves a good chance. Now we are going to do the same.”Iraola, Iraola… 🎵 pic.twitter.com/zmaTcFXhut— AFC Bournemouth 🍒 (@afcbournemouth) January 6, 2024 The young tactician sees no point in just taking part in cup tournaments. When you’re there, you might as well give it a go.”Whatever the position in the league is, I think there is no guarantee that if we lose in the cup, they will give us one or two points. No, you are out of the cup; they don’t give you anything, and you have to keep winning the league games. So we don’t think it is a matter of choosing. It is a matter of wanting the competitions, and I hope we improve in these games, especially the beginnings.”Cherries are back in cup action at the end of the month, when they host Swansea City in the FA Cup fourth round.
