"Top person, top coach" - Rose

MARCO Rose spoke of his admiration for predecessor Andoni Iraola and praised the Basque coach as a 'top coach and person.'

The German boss returned the favour to Iraola, who has been full of praise for Rose since it was confirmed that he would take over the reins at the Cherries this summer.

The pair met in Bournemouth at the end of last month to discuss the club and team, and Iraola said in his final press conference as boss that he would do what he could to help the transition.

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Iraola, who is headed for Liverpool, said he has followed and admires Rose, and the German said the same.

He told AFCB TV: "We wrote some messages, and I admire his work.

"He did a great, great job. I know that when he came here, the start was not perfect, but the direction he gave the team and the club is really, really incredible.

"And as I said, top coach, top person, I have to say. I don't know if it's the right word, but it was a stroke of luck to have him here."