Iraola: “Zabarnyi Has Particularly Improved His Quick Decision-Making Skills”

The head coach of Bournemouth, Andoni Iraola, praised the central defenders of his team, Ukrainian Illia Zabarnyi and Argentine Marcos Senesi, for their performance in the victorious match of the 10th round of the Premier League against Manchester City (2:1).

“I think they were very brave because it’s difficult to play with the space we had behind us throughout the match against Haaland, who is always a threat.

At the end of the match, the game was different: they were pressing us, and we had to defend against crosses and deal with difficult situations. We were not only playing against Erling, the central defenders of Manchester City also moved forward – everyone was putting pressure on us.

I think they really handled their job very well. They are working astonishingly in training.

Sometimes I feel unfair towards others, but it’s difficult. Marcos and Zaba are putting me in a very tough position since it’s hard for me to give playing minutes to other players.

They show great ball control. I think Zaba has especially improved his quick decision-making skills while working with the ball. And defensively, they play very reliably, they handle it wonderfully.

I would say they are also achieving a certain level of leadership, in the sense that they care not only about their position but also about the structure as a whole. And I am very satisfied with them,” said Iraola after the match.