Kepa is grateful to Iraola for helping him rekindle his passion for football

Bournemouth goalkeeper Kepa mentioned coach Andoni Iraola in an interview and expressed his gratitude to the coach for helping him rekindle his passion for football.

The 30-year-old Kepa was loaned to Bournemouth from Chelsea in August last year and made his debut in the Premier League against Everton. It is worth mentioning that in Bournemouth's home game against Arsenal, Kepa also helped the "Cherry" shut out Arteta's team.

"I got a good recommendation and Andoni Iraola's phone call helped me take this step," Kepa said in an interview. "I am eager to enjoy football again and regain my sense of value and play regularly every week."

“Coming to Bournemouth has allowed me to achieve those goals and has been crucial in rekindling my passion for football as a player.”

In addition, Kepa also said, "When playing against a team coached by a Spanish coach like Arteta or Guardiola, you can clearly see the change in the style of play."

"Compared to the traditional English style of play, which includes an emphasis on corners or second chances, they bring a completely different tactical philosophy and present a whole new way of understanding football."

On the other hand, Bournemouth will host Manchester City in the quarterfinals of the FA Cup in the 2024/25 season to continue their fight for the championship. In the next round of the Premier League, Andoni Iraola's team will face newly promoted Ipswich.