CHERRIES are ready to face Champions League opposition in the club’s final pre-season friendly, Andoni Iraola said.

The AFC Bournemouth boss is expecting a difficult game against Girona today, after the Spanish side qualified for the top European competition for the first time last season.

“I expect them to try to keep the control of the ball, they are a very possession-based team,” Iraola said.

“They have different structures, it’s going to be tactically difficult for us to match them, but I think it’s going to be a good lesson for us as a good last trial before the start of the season.

“I liked the game we played against Rayo [Vallecano], I hope we are even in the same or even in better form to finish with good feelings, whatever the result, that we finish with good feelings.

“Let’s hope also, injury-wise, we don’t lose anyone because in pre-season it’s the thing we don’t want so close to the start of the season and try to do our job the best we can tomorrow.”

The 42-year-old said he and Girona’s head coach, Míchel Sánchez, know each other well, having played against each other in Spain.

He said his opposite number will expect Cherries to press them, make them think quickly and not just sit back in a low block.

“Maybe we start the game and we cannot do anything else, sometimes you want to do one thing and the opposition is better, but I think we are ready,” Iraola said.

“We want an open game.

“We will try to keep the ball also and not let them do the things that they normally do because otherwise they are good.”