Rose praises Cherries’ commitment to keep best players ahead of Newcastle clash
Bournemouth boss Marco Rose has praised the club’s determination to keep their key players while strengthening the squad ahead of a demanding season in the Premier League and Europa League.
Midfielder Alex Scott was linked with several clubs throughout the summer transfer window, while Bournemouth also faced the challenge of retaining talented forwards Rayan and Eli Junior Kroupi.
Rose, however, was pleased that Bournemouth were able to keep their squad together while also adding quality ahead of the club’s first-ever European campaign.
“For me as a manager, it’s a big thanks to our owner that he observed things from a sporting point of view, because we need these kinds of players to be competitive in the Premier League and the Europa League,” Rose said.
“It’s a special season with many more games than we are used to. That’s why it was always the idea from the beginning to keep our squad together with our best players.
“We signed top players. I think everyone sees that after two games. Antonio Silva has shown that he is able to play and compete in this league.
“Juanlu is still adapting, but I’m quite pleased with everything. We have high-quality, experienced players, and we have players to improve and develop.”
The German also praised Newcastle boss Matthias Jaissle ahead of their Premier League meeting, having previously crossed paths with his compatriot during his time at RB Salzburg.
“I know Matthias from Salzburg,” Rose said. “I visited old friends at the training ground and we met and had a chat.
“I know that he’s a good coach. He has an idea of football that he has brought really quickly into Newcastle. They are in good shape and play with intensity. They have clear patterns with and without the ball.
“With the ball, it’s a lot about getting Elanga in a spot to have one-against-ones and threaten in behind. They have already created goals like this.
“We have to take care and defend well. I think we will also get chances, and we have to use them.”
Beyond their Premier League ambitions, Rose also admitted his excitement at the prospect of leading Bournemouth into Europe for the first time.
The Cherries face a challenging Europa League campaign, including a home meeting with AC Milan and a trip to Real Sociedad.
“To play AC Milan at home is special,” Rose said. “To get Real Sociedad away, which is a tough start because they are a really good team with Spanish national team players.
“Step by step, we will get a feeling for the opponents.
“On the other side, I feel that our main business is the Premier League, because that is how we qualified for Europe. We have to do our job and Newcastle is the next challenge.”
