Eddie Howe believes we rode our luck against Sheffield United and were “lucky” to be level at the break before fully deserving our win after a “devastating” second half display.
Speaking after the 5-1 win, the boss revealed that Fabian Schar was withdrawn due to “tightness in his hamstring” that wasn’t allowing him to sprint, although he’s confident it’s not a “big injury.”
Howe added that Bruno Guimaraes is “very much” a part of our plans next season and hopes to keep him for “many years” after his goal at the Gallowgate, also feeling European football would be an “outstanding” achievement given the injuries we’ve managed all season.
Here’s everything the boss had to say on our early struggles, much improved second half, Schar’s injury, Bruno’s future and our push for Europe after moving a point behind Man Utd in sixth:
Howe on our performance – “In the first half we were well off it, probably from a bit of tiredness from midweek and a quick turnaround. We knew it would be a difficult game, we knew Sheffield United would turn up and fight with everything they had to stay in the Premier League and they put a lot of balls in behind our defence. We struggled to deal with them in the first half, we were lucky to come in level but that let us tweak a couple of things and come out with a much better performance.
“Half-time was a big moment for us, because we had to regroup. It was a difficult first half because I thought Sheffield United played well. They were fighting for their lives – we knew that they would come here and have a right go.
“It was a much improved second half display and, in the end, we fully deserved the win. We scored at a good time [in the second half] and were devastating at times.”
Howe on Fabian Schar – “Fabian had a bit of tightness in his hamstring. We don’t think it’s a big injury – there’s not one moment where you think he’s pulled his hamstring – but it was enough to make him feel uncomfortable. He couldn’t fully sprint, so he had to come off. We were going to make the change (in the first half), but he said he was fine and he wanted to carry on. At half-time, it became clear so he couldn’t, so that’s when we eventually changed things.”
Howe on Bruno Guimaraes – “He [Bruno Guimaraes] is very much part of my plans [for next season]. We have to showcase what we can offer him as a football club and hope that is enough to keep him. Bruno is a special talent and he scored a big goal today. Hopefully he stays with us for many years.”
Howe on our push for Europe – “It would be a great achievement for us. I am very keen to build and maintain the momentum we have had in recent years. Last season was a huge achievement to get Champions League football.
“This season has been difficult with injuries, so if the players are able to achieve that [qualification for European football], I think it will be outstanding.”
