Eddie Howe admits our 2-0 defeat to Bournemouth was a ‘tough watch’, accepting we looked nothing like ourselves and are struggling with fatigue following a busy run of fixtures.
He didn’t want to make excuses, but felt the need to defend his players; who he insists are giving everything to cope with the number of injuries as we attempt to compete on three fronts with such a threadbare squad.
On injuries, he confirms Miguel Almiron went off with a hamstring problem. It’s too early to say how serious that is, but it’s bad news on Callum Wilson, who will sidelined for ‘a number of weeks’ following his withdrawal from the England squad.
Howe commented on Trippier’s altercation with a frustrated fan in the away end at full time, feeling ’emotions were running high’ after a difficult night for all involved.
He explained his decision to take off Lewis Hall at the break, praised Lewis Miley’s display and stood by a squad that have given their all in tough circumstances recently. However, he accepts performance levels must improve, realising we were off it in all departments against the Cherries. Watch last night’s post-match press conference below:
As much as injuries to players are obvious reasons for team performance it is also obvious that when players are fatigued injuries are more likely to occur.
I think the high press game is not sustainable when we are in the situation we find ourselves in and may in fact contribute to further injuries in the squad.
Poor discipline with picking up unnecessary bookings with the likes of Gordon, Bruno Joelinton having far too much to say to officials and petulance plus Tonali’s off the field indiscipline all adds to the problems.
Players coming back after long injuries can also take six or seven games to get back match sharpness which is evident, bring them back too early and you risk further set backs.
You can’t question the effort but some things can and need to be fixed.
Joseph(Quote)