Andoni Iraola refused to get carried away after Bournemouth fans were left dreaming of a potential Champions League adventure following a first league double over south-coast rivals Southampton.
Travelling Cherries fans chanted of playing in European football’s premier competition next season after their side soared to fifth spot in the Premier League table thanks to a deserved 3-1 success at St Mary’s.
Ryan Christie conjured a fine assist for Dango Ouattara’s 14th-minute opener and then quickly fired home a superb second before Marcus Tavernier sealed victory late on following a goal back from Kamaldeen Sulemana.
While his team climbed above Chelsea, on goal difference, and Newcastle to the cusp of the top four, Bournemouth boss Iraola is eager to manage expectations and not look too far ahead.
“I think we are far from there,” he said of reaching the Champions League.
“We need still a lot of points. A reality would be at the end of the season. Now, unfortunately for us, it’s not.
“We have to continue performing well. If we continue performing well we may have a chance when there are five, six games remaining and then we are fighting.
“Right now we are still in the process, there is still more than one third of the league to play. We are focusing in the next week and definitely not further than this.”
Midfielder Christie played a starring role in Bournemouth’s blistering start, curling into the bottom left corner from almost 25 yards after a delightful delivery allowed Ouattara to glance home.
Saints goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale produced a fine fingertip save to deny Antoine Semenyo at the end of a mazy run and then clawed Christie’s header off the line from the resultant corner as the Cherries sought to capitalise on their dominance.
Southampton forward Sulemana briefly created some jeopardy by halving the deficit 18 minutes from time, prior to substitute Tavernier thumping home to eventually put the result beyond doubt.
“I’m happy for the win and for the performance,” said Iraola.
“I don’t care if it’s because of the goal average we are fifth or sixth or seventh; right now we have 43 points, it’s a good amount for this moment of the season.
“But I’m more concerned about keeping this performance level as long as we can that will put us in a good position at the end.
“It’s a game (versus Southampton) that for sure supporters want to win and to have the moment at the end with them and everyone enjoying it I think is really positive.”
Bottom club Southampton slipped a step closer to relegation following their 20th defeat of a miserable campaign.
The hosts, who paid a heavy price for a dismal first-half display in which they failed to threaten, remain 10 points from safety, having now played a game more than 17th-placed Wolves.
Saints manager Ivan Juric said: “It was a really bad first half, it was not good enough to compete with them.
“It’s a situation that is really bad. Things didn’t go well before and things don’t go well now. Of course there are lots of problems and we try to fix it.
“We cannot say that they (the players) don’t have motivation. At 2-0, they are pushing, they want to score. For 30 minutes, they did a great second half until we conceded the third goal.
“They were like I want my team to be: aggressive, stealing the ball, attacking with lots of players, creating lots of chances. We have to try and play like this more times.”
Let's start our Daily Laugh today. If D Nunez, N Jackson, R Hojlund were on the same team Which Artety do you like? Liverpool transfer market Somehow this is true Lionel Messi's magical feet during the 2022 World Cup. Somehow this is true What a journey it has been! Please stay tuned on Daily Laugh. There will be more fun tomorrow!(Credit: Justtoonit, originaltrollfootball, AZRorganizat...
Al-Hilal determined to sign Hernandez as soon as possiblePer Fabrizio Romano, Saudi Pro League giants Al-Hilal are pushing to complete a transfer for Theo Hernandez from AC Milan. They have agreed on a deal with the Serie A side and have initiated talks with the Frenchman.Why new contract for Pulisic remains unsignedUSMNT star Christian Pulisic is yet to sign a new contract at AC Milan, which was ...
Bayern Munich are eyeing a move for Gabriel Martinelli, who is reportedly one of several players Arsenal will consider selling this summer.WHAT HAPPENED?Per BILD's Christian Falk, Bayern are eager to add a new player to their Harry Kane-led attack and reportedly have their eyes on Gunners star Martinelli. The German giants were also keen on signing Nico Williams from Athletic Club earlier in the s...
Manchester United are one of the clubs keen on signing the Real Madrid goalkeeper Andriy Lunin.According to journalist Luis Alberto Lopez, Manchester United are willing to pay €15 million in order to sign the 26-year-old goalkeeper. However, the Spanish club is ready to sell him, but they will hold out for a fee of around €20-25 million.Man United make enquiriesThe Premier League side ...
Paul Pogba agrees transfer to Champions League club as ex-Man Utd star makes 'significant financial sacrifices' to seal return to footballWHAT HAPPENED?Pogba is set to join Ligue 1 side Monaco on a free transfer after agreeing a two-year deal with the French side, as reported by Le Parisien. The former Manchester United midfielder has "made significant financial sacrifices" to seal the deal as he ...
Alfie makes clear Haaland commitment to Man CityAlfie Haaland says son Erling remains happy and committed to Manchester City.The Norway striker is back and fully fit for the Club World Cup after a difficult 12 months due to injury.Speaking with Marca, Haaland Snr said: "Real Madrid and Manchester City? I think they are the favourites to win this tournament , the Club World Cup. We are seeing some ...
Juventus fullback Cambiaso: Man City talks were niceJuventus fullback Andrea Cambiaso has confirmed talks with Manchester City in January. The Italy international attracted an approach from City - which was rejected by Juve - during the winter market last season.In the US for the Club World Cup, Cambiaso admits he spoke with City officials about a move.He said, 0"Let's say that they have almost un...
Chelsea, Man Utd threaten Juventus plans for Kolo MuaniChelsea are interested in Juventus striker Randal Kolo Muani.Kolo Muani is currently with Juve at the Club World Cup, where he is on-loan from PSG. After joining the Bianconeri in January, it was agreed that Kolo Muani could extend his loan to the end of the Club World Cup.Juve do not have a set option to sign the France international permanen...
Tottenham's Mathys Tel scored the decisive goal for the French Under-21 sideThanks to two goals in the final ten minutes, France turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 win as they booked their ticket for the semi-final of the U21 Euros at the expense of Denmark in an entertaining thriller Sunday evening in SlovakiaG9rald Baticle’s men came into this match looking to build on their unbeaten start (W...
Kompany hails ‘special’ Messi for lighting up Club World CupBayern Munich boss Vincent Kompany has been amased by Lionel Messi’s performances at the Club World Cup and believes fans should treasure the Inter Miami star.The Argentina international sealed a comeback win with a brilliant free-kick, giving Inter Miami a strong chance of reaching the knockout stages."Inter Miami they ...
- 1 Gareth Bale set to buy former PL club
- 2 Samson Tijani: Nigeria star joins Dukla Prague from RB Salzburg
- 3 Diletta Leotta sizzles in tiny bikini on inflatable flamingo
- 4 Seattle Sounders vs PSG Prediction 24 June 2025
- 5 Ex-Ajax star Promes extradited to Netherlands to serve jail term
- 6 Real Madrid reveal target as Zubimendi joins Arsenal
- 7 Neymar flaunts 'candy floss' pink outfit that costs more than a family car
- 8 'He felt honored' - Marcelo Gallardo confirms he approached Cristiano Ronaldo about playing for River Plate at the Club World Cup
- 9 Stunning influencer reveals she’s had death threats
- 10 Premier League fixtures: Man City learn dates for 2025-26 campaign