Following our 3-3 draw against Aston Villa, Eddie Howe admitted ‘work is needed’ on his three-man defence, but praised the team for coming back twice and revealed he felt it was a ‘good time to trial’ the new formation.
After some questionable defending at the start of both halves, the boss has admitted that there is ‘work needed’, but gave ‘full credit’ to the players for reacting from going 2-0 and 3-2 down.
Part of the reason for our poor defensive efforts was the change in formation – looked to be a 3-4-3 or 3-5-2 – but Howe clearly felt it best to trial this now before the season kicks off.
When asked on why he wants to trial a new system, Howe revealed that due to the number of competitions we will be in this season, he wants the squad to have the ability to be ‘flexible’.
The head coach was aware that there were ‘some bits we need to look at’, but feels it will be beneficial to be able to switch formations either at the beginning of a game or during.
Here’s what Howe had to say on the game:
“We are disappointed with the three we have conceded. We were very pleased with the three we scored ourselves.
“I think the most pleasing thing is we were 2-0 – I didn’t think it was that bad – but we found ourselves in that position. The players regrouped and we found the mental strength to calm things down and find a way back in the game.
“I have to say the drinks break helped. If we could bring that in when you are losing it helps! I thought we improved as it went on.”
Here’s what Howe had to say on the switch of formation:
“We tried something different tonight. We are aware of the amount of competitions we are in next season. There is a feeling that we are going to need to be flexible next season.
“Whether that is a system we look to start with or go with in a game, we just felt it was a good game to trial it in pre-season. That’s what pre-season is for. To look at different things. There were some good bits and bits we need to look at.”
