CHERRIES stalwart Adam Smith believes his side are still “learning” new boss Andoni Iraola’s style of play.

Appointed in June to replace Gary O’Neil, Iraola brings with him to England a reputation for high-pressing and attack-minded football.

So far this pre-season, Cherries have travelled to the south of Spain for a warm-weather camp in Marbella, where they played friendlies with Hibernian and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

They returned home to face Millwall in a behind closed doors friendly, before travelling across the New Forest to face Southampton last Tuesday.

On Saturday Cherries faced Atalanta in their fifth and penultimate friendly, falling to a 3-1 defeat at Vitality Stadium.

Reflecting on the encounter, Smith told afcb.co.uk: “Yeah, it was tough. Obviously, Atalanta are a very good team.

“Played in the Champions League and the UEFA Cup (Europa League) this season.

“So it was a very difficult game, good test for us.

“Still learning how the gaffer wants to play, building our fitness, so, yeah, very good test.

“Obviously, shame we didn't get a better result, but it's not about results in preseason.”

Originally joining Cherries on loan when they were in League One, Smith returned to the south coast permanently in January 2014.

Approaching a decade of continuous service with Cherries, Smith has played under numerous different managers, with the right-back feeling like Iraola’s style of play was a good fit on a personal level.

“Nice,” he responded when asked for his thoughts on the team’s new look.

“We're front foot, pressing team, that's how I like to play the game.

“The lads are enjoying it as well.

“We're going to give teams problems high up the pitch and hopefully we can score a lot of goals doing that.”

Cherries finish their preparations for the new Premier League season when they host FC Lorient at Dean Court next Saturday (5pm).

They start their 2023-24 campaign at home, welcoming David Moyes’ West Ham to Dorset on Saturday, August 12 (3pm).