Bournemouth boss Rose ‘proud’ after historic Milan win: “We suffocated them”

Bournemouth boss Marco Rose could not hide his pride after his side beat AC Milan comfortably in the Europa League last night.

Milan suffered a 3-0 defeat against Bournemouth in their third Europa League game. Reduced to ten men around the half-hour mark following Mike Maignan’s straight red card, the Rossoneri were undone by first-half penalties from Kluivert (8’) and Tavernier (32’) and a late Amine Adli free-kick.

In the torrential rain, the evening proved difficult from the outset, as the hosts’ aggressive start quickly put them in control. Playing a man down made the task harder still, and although the Rossoneri tried to respond after the break, they could not find a way back into the game.

Rose spoke in the press conference room at the Vitality Stadium after the full-time whistle to give his thoughts on what was a memorable night for his side, with MilanNews relaying his words.

Congratulations! How do you feel?

“Thank you. Great night. I’m happy for the team, for the fans. I’m proud of the boys, of how they worked. They were great from the first to the last minute.”

Did the red card change the match?

“We started well with Maignan there too, we put pressure on them. We had several chances. The red card inevitably had an impact on the match, but we played well, we suffocated them and didn’t allow them anything.”

You have a perfect record in Europe?

“I think the club must remain humble. We know we can compete with anyone, anywhere, but the season is long. We’ve lost some players, others are returning. We have a lot of games, the Premier League, Europe, and the cup. Ask me that again in April when we’re in the round of 16.”

What happened between the two benches?

“I didn’t see it. But I think everyone wants to win and compete, even during the game. It was all very intense. Then we shook hands.”

What was the message at halftime?

“Stay alert, control the game. We talked about the structure, and we knew we had to control the counterattacks. We stifled them, scored a nice third goal, and I’m happy.”

The defence responded well after the disappointing defeat against Chelsea…

“We’re all responsible for defending, starting with the press. We have to close down the spaces with our midfielders and push forward with the full-backs. It’s a team-wide issue. We’re doing well, but we have to keep going. It’s still early, we have to keep going.”