ANDONI Iraola says he “didn’t finish very happy” with Cherries’ lacklustre performance in Saturday’s draw with League One Wrexham.

Cherries struggled to create any openings particularly during the first half, trailing at the break through a James Hill own goal.

Marcos Senesi headed in early in the second half as the game finished 1-1 in California, Cherries using 21 players across the 90 minutes.

Reflecting on the pre-season opener, head coach Iraola said: “It was, I think, a good pre-season game.

“I didn’t finish very happy with the performance, especially the first half. We played really slow.

“It was not the easiest day to play. We wanted to put rhythm, but couldn’t, especially in the first half.

“The ball was moving very, very slow and the difference in divisions is the rhythm to do the things.

“If we play slow, you cannot feel this difference. I think we didn’t play quick enough.

“We wanted to keep the ball, but without threatening in the first half. We were much better in the second half, obviously.

“But I think it has been a good game, especially physically, with the conditions and the pitch.

“A lot of things to improve, but it’s why we come here and play these kind of teams.”

He added: “It is the first friendly we played in pre-season.

“It’s about getting in shape, especially for some players.

“You could feel the first half was a very slow rhythm of a pre-season friendly and we don’t want to play this way.

“Even if we concede some chances, we are much more threatening to the opposition and I was much more happier with the game overall in the second half.

“There was much more quality from both teams in the second half. The first half was stopped for an injury, for water and we didn’t feel in the game.

“In the end, it is not so important now how was our goal or how was the mistake we made in the own goal we conceded. It is not just about one thing concrete.

“We will make mistakes in pre-season. It is better we make mistakes now.

“Obviously we have to correct a lot of things. I’m more concerned about the rhythm, because we are a team that has to play faster.

“It was difficult with the pitch that didn’t have water. But we have to try to find our rhythm, because we are better when we do it.”

Cherries return to action on Wednesday evening, taking on Arsenal, again in California.

Discussing the crowd of more than 13,000 at Harder Stadium on Saturday, Iraola said: “I think the atmosphere was amazing for a friendly.

“For the players to start pre-season like this, it is nice to be part of.

“Some Bournemouth fans came very far to get here and we have to thank them.”