Bournemouth (H) Pre match thread (05.10.24, 3pm)

[moore_94]

Injuries?

“Hamza dislocated his shoulder in training yesterday, It was innocuous. It’s settling down and we’re trying to work out how long. It could be weeks or months. Jannik has started training fully today. He’s back today. Some players have had kicks and they’ve not trained yet. With Hamza, it was just a normal challenge.”

[Ric Flair]

6 minutes ago, moore_94 said:

Injuries?

“Hamza dislocated his shoulder in training yesterday, It was innocuous. It’s settling down and we’re trying to work out how long. It could be weeks or months. Jannik has started training fully today. He’s back today. Some players have had kicks and they’ve not trained yet. With Hamza, it was just a normal challenge.”

Soumare redemption arc, or maybe we can finally get Alves on the bench and brought on when we're 5 nil up in games.....

[Tommy G]

14 minutes ago, moore_94 said:

Injuries?

“Hamza dislocated his shoulder in training yesterday, It was innocuous. It’s settling down and we’re trying to work out how long. It could be weeks or months. Jannik has started training fully today. He’s back today. Some players have had kicks and they’ve not trained yet. With Hamza, it was just a normal challenge.”

That's a shame, he'll be able to get on the swig again.

[Wymsey]

1 minute ago, Tommy G said:

That's a shame, he'll be able to get on the swig again.

Hope someone drives for him, though..

[moore_94]

Steve Cooper Pre-Match Press Conference vs Bournemouth

 

Glass half full?

“There’s nothing beneficial from being negative. We have to take responsibility for the league position we’re in but we have to believe in what we’re doing and keep hold of the positives while also improving. In a period that could be classed as a tough time, you have to be positive. In football, and at Premier League level, there is always an opportunity, and it’s to get our first win, get some results and climb up the table. I see a really good desire from the guys and in the right way, a desperation to get that win and kick on.”

 

First win focus?

“We need a result. That’s where your narratives are written. Results dictate so many things. We have to look at the performance, but in the end, it’s about getting a team playing well enough to win games. It’s not just because it’s the international break. We want it anyway. I’m desperate for our supporters to see the team win and play well in the process.”
 

You're scoring. Need improvements at the other end?

“Clearly. We’ve been good for a goal or two in a game and we’ve got to keep that going. But we have to be stronger at the back and not fall into a low block as quickly as we have in games. If we do, we have to stop opponents creating chances.”
 

Big month of games?

“I wouldn’t say we’re dressing it up like that, because we’re one game at a time. We’re focused on Bournemouth. Mentality is key and focus and belief and getting a job done, that’s a big part of our work this week. I really hope we can deliver that for us and the supporters.”
 

Sometimes one step back for two steps forward?

“It’s not something you can talk about or is accepted. But the result is important. Understandably, people focus on the result. I get that. We’re very much trying to become a Premier League team again. We have to make sure we deliver a Premier League performance. That’s what we’re trying to become. Some bits have been really good. Some bits we need to get better at. That’s the challenge of coaching. There’s nothing better than coming through a difficult time. When you do, you’re in a much better place because of the lessons you learn. When you get through it, it gets better in the mid and long-term. What an opportunity we have to get through this little spell.”
 

Bournemouth?

“They have dangerous players at the top end and a clear way of playing. They’ve had good spells where they’ve picked up good results. We’re aware of the impact we can have on the game and that’s how we win a game. We’re ready for an energetic Bournemouth team.”
 

Criticism?

“I don’t hide away from it and I make sure I’m more visible and more vocal than when things are going well. That’s the role of a leader and a manager. Criticism is a motivation. Some days you get a lot of criticism, I take it as it comes. I really believe in my work and definitely believe in my players.”
 

Injuries?

“Hamza dislocated his shoulder in training yesterday, It was innocuous. It’s settling down and we’re trying to work out how long. It could be weeks or months. Jannik has started training fully today. He’s back today. Some players have had kicks and they’ve not trained yet. With Hamza, it was just a normal challenge.”
 

Bournemouth took 10 games to win last season and finished 12th. Hope for you?

“Unless you’re finishing eighth or higher, you’re going to go through a tough spell. I hope ours is coming to an end. Nobody likes it, but it’s a matter of fact where you go through periods where you’d like more points. There’s no point looking back. We have to look forward. We can get to a better place and that’s our drive.”
 

How to get a 90-min performance?

“Respectfully, I’ve been asked that question every week. It’s first of all going through that cycle of what’s not gone well and how we improve, and what has gone well. Until we get that win and that performance that deserves the win, it’s going to become a constant question. We’re really backing the players and encouraging them to back themselves and each other, that’s really important.”
 

McAteer?

“We really like Kasey and that contradicts some of the decision making and that’s maybe a story of the numbers in the squad. We like how he applies himself to training, he gives his all. The lad has some strong attributes to help him have a good career. There’s no doubt about that. Any positive experience, whether with us or Ireland, will be good. That’s what they need, experience. I really hope we can provide him with the right opportunity.”
 

Message to fans?

“We want them to continue to get behind the team. I don’t worry too much about myself. I never think about what it means for me. I’m not about my own brand. I’m for the club I work for and that’s the players and supporters. Any criticism has come towards me and not the players, and that’s how I’d prefer it. The atmosphere in the second half against Everton pulled us through to get something out of the game. I look at how they were involved against Aston Villa as well. I saw how the players responded to that. I’m desperate for fans to see a result at the King Power so they can enjoy the rest of their weekend. I want the lads to produce a performance that the crowd can get behind.”
 

Are players' heads down?

“We’re not heads down and we’re not of the mindset that we’ll be alright either. Both of those mindsets are dangerous. We’re in the middle of that, where we’re frustrated that we haven’t been able to get more out of the games, but there’s a constant determination to put things right. We have to make sure the mindset is right with the players. I really believe that will happen, convinced of it, that we will get what we want from this season.”
 

No points deduction?

“The landscape has definitely changed on that front. Even when that was looming over us, it wasn’t interfering with our daily work either. What we want to achieve, as we decided on, it’s still very much achievable. When we achieve it, we will look back and say it was a rocky road.”
 

Okoli?

“He’s a young player coming from a completely different country and it's always a transition. I believe he’s still going through that. He’s got an unbelievable attitude. He’s so about the team. He doesn’t get too hard on himself when he makes mistakes. He shows great bravery. He’s got a massive desire to defend. In terms of an asset for the club, with the age he’s at, he’s got huge potential. He’s great to work with. He’s bought into the club. He has to make sure he works hard to stay on the right path.”

[AjcW]

So suddenly Vesty has been injured? Has that ever been mentioned previously? 

[Dr The Singh]

Coops says all the right things.  Lets hope he lives his words.

[Ric Flair]

6 minutes ago, AjcW said:

So suddenly Vesty has been injured? Has that ever been mentioned previously? 

No, but Cooper has also admitted before that he doesn't always disclose information about players availability or non-availability.

[suffolk fox]

2 hours ago, Ashley said:

Can't believe I've seen the day where Leicester City are at home and aren't favourites against Bournemouth. 

 

Jesus christ.

You do realise Bournemouth are our bogey side.  until, the cup last season and when Phillips scored for us against them we haven't beaten them.  Even in our title winning season we drew twice against them.

 

Bournemouth, are a better team than last season too fact.

[moore_94]

6 minutes ago, AjcW said:

So suddenly Vesty has been injured? Has that ever been mentioned previously? 

Yeah it was mentioned before the Walsall game

[Ric Flair]

26 minutes ago, moore_94 said:

Steve Cooper Pre-Match Press Conference vs Bournemouth

 

Glass half full?

“There’s nothing beneficial from being negative. We have to take responsibility for the league position we’re in but we have to believe in what we’re doing and keep hold of the positives while also improving. In a period that could be classed as a tough time, you have to be positive. In football, and at Premier League level, there is always an opportunity, and it’s to get our first win, get some results and climb up the table. I see a really good desire from the guys and in the right way, a desperation to get that win and kick on.”

 

First win focus?

“We need a result. That’s where your narratives are written. Results dictate so many things. We have to look at the performance, but in the end, it’s about getting a team playing well enough to win games. It’s not just because it’s the international break. We want it anyway. I’m desperate for our supporters to see the team win and play well in the process.”
 

You're scoring. Need improvements at the other end?

“Clearly. We’ve been good for a goal or two in a game and we’ve got to keep that going. But we have to be stronger at the back and not fall into a low block as quickly as we have in games. If we do, we have to stop opponents creating chances.”
 

Big month of games?

“I wouldn’t say we’re dressing it up like that, because we’re one game at a time. We’re focused on Bournemouth. Mentality is key and focus and belief and getting a job done, that’s a big part of our work this week. I really hope we can deliver that for us and the supporters.”
 

Sometimes one step back for two steps forward?

“It’s not something you can talk about or is accepted. But the result is important. Understandably, people focus on the result. I get that. We’re very much trying to become a Premier League team again. We have to make sure we deliver a Premier League performance. That’s what we’re trying to become. Some bits have been really good. Some bits we need to get better at. That’s the challenge of coaching. There’s nothing better than coming through a difficult time. When you do, you’re in a much better place because of the lessons you learn. When you get through it, it gets better in the mid and long-term. What an opportunity we have to get through this little spell.”
 

Bournemouth?

“They have dangerous players at the top end and a clear way of playing. They’ve had good spells where they’ve picked up good results. We’re aware of the impact we can have on the game and that’s how we win a game. We’re ready for an energetic Bournemouth team.”
 

Criticism?

“I don’t hide away from it and I make sure I’m more visible and more vocal than when things are going well. That’s the role of a leader and a manager. Criticism is a motivation. Some days you get a lot of criticism, I take it as it comes. I really believe in my work and definitely believe in my players.”
 

Injuries?

“Hamza dislocated his shoulder in training yesterday, It was innocuous. It’s settling down and we’re trying to work out how long. It could be weeks or months. Jannik has started training fully today. He’s back today. Some players have had kicks and they’ve not trained yet. With Hamza, it was just a normal challenge.”
 

Bournemouth took 10 games to win last season and finished 12th. Hope for you?

“Unless you’re finishing eighth or higher, you’re going to go through a tough spell. I hope ours is coming to an end. Nobody likes it, but it’s a matter of fact where you go through periods where you’d like more points. There’s no point looking back. We have to look forward. We can get to a better place and that’s our drive.”
 

How to get a 90-min performance?

“Respectfully, I’ve been asked that question every week. It’s first of all going through that cycle of what’s not gone well and how we improve, and what has gone well. Until we get that win and that performance that deserves the win, it’s going to become a constant question. We’re really backing the players and encouraging them to back themselves and each other, that’s really important.”
 

McAteer?

“We really like Kasey and that contradicts some of the decision making and that’s maybe a story of the numbers in the squad. We like how he applies himself to training, he gives his all. The lad has some strong attributes to help him have a good career. There’s no doubt about that. Any positive experience, whether with us or Ireland, will be good. That’s what they need, experience. I really hope we can provide him with the right opportunity.”
 

Message to fans?

“We want them to continue to get behind the team. I don’t worry too much about myself. I never think about what it means for me. I’m not about my own brand. I’m for the club I work for and that’s the players and supporters. Any criticism has come towards me and not the players, and that’s how I’d prefer it. The atmosphere in the second half against Everton pulled us through to get something out of the game. I look at how they were involved against Aston Villa as well. I saw how the players responded to that. I’m desperate for fans to see a result at the King Power so they can enjoy the rest of their weekend. I want the lads to produce a performance that the crowd can get behind.”
 

Are players' heads down?

“We’re not heads down and we’re not of the mindset that we’ll be alright either. Both of those mindsets are dangerous. We’re in the middle of that, where we’re frustrated that we haven’t been able to get more out of the games, but there’s a constant determination to put things right. We have to make sure the mindset is right with the players. I really believe that will happen, convinced of it, that we will get what we want from this season.”
 

No points deduction?

“The landscape has definitely changed on that front. Even when that was looming over us, it wasn’t interfering with our daily work either. What we want to achieve, as we decided on, it’s still very much achievable. When we achieve it, we will look back and say it was a rocky road.”
 

Okoli?

“He’s a young player coming from a completely different country and it's always a transition. I believe he’s still going through that. He’s got an unbelievable attitude. He’s so about the team. He doesn’t get too hard on himself when he makes mistakes. He shows great bravery. He’s got a massive desire to defend. In terms of an asset for the club, with the age he’s at, he’s got huge potential. He’s great to work with. He’s bought into the club. He has to make sure he works hard to stay on the right path.”

Really hope Hermansen isn't one of the players who hasn't trained this week. Obviously he carried on but at one point he looked to have injured his hand/wrist.

[CosbehFox]

 I really believe in my work and definitely believe in my players.

 

If you did Steve you wouldn't have us set in such an unsure manner. 

[Electric Yetis]

23 minutes ago, suffolk fox said:

You do realise Bournemouth are our bogey side.  until, the cup last season and when Phillips scored for us against them we haven't beaten them.  Even in our title winning season we drew twice against them.

 

Bournemouth, are a better team than last season too fact.

Not quite right.

 

 

[ealingfox]

26 minutes ago, suffolk fox said:

You do realise Bournemouth are our bogey side.  until, the cup last season and when Phillips scored for us against them we haven't beaten them.  Even in our title winning season we drew twice against them.

 

Bournemouth, are a better team than last season too fact.

 

That's not right - we beat them at home a couple of times under Rodgers. Cant remember the seasons but Vardy scored a lob in one of them, Morgan scored a backheel in another.

 

Edit - someone has obliged above.

Edited 3 October 2024 by ealingfox

[Wymsey]

Just play with speed and forward intent, with the right players on, then you won't be too off saving your managerial future at the club.

 

Last chance saloon now.

[ealingfox]

48 minutes ago, moore_94 said:

Steve Cooper Pre-Match Press Conference vs Bournemouth

 

“There’s nothing beneficial from being negative.”

 

The bloody cheek, the most negative **** at the club.

 

Also worrying that he describes us as having had a tough time given we've had pretty reasonable fixtures. It's going to get a lot harder.

 

Honestly he has to go asap, so clearly not up to it.

[Ric Flair]

5 minutes ago, Electric Yetis said:

Not quite right.

 

 

I presume he's got confused with our away record against them. We haven't beaten them away from home in the PL.

[Nalis]

1 hour ago, Dr The Singh said:

Coops says all the right things.  Lets hope he lives his words.

Was thinking the same thing. I don't dislike the guy, I just don't think he's good enough to be our manager. I say that hoping he proves us all wrong.

[HankMarvin]

1 hour ago, moore_94 said:

But the result is important. Understandably, people focus on the result. I get that. We’re very much trying to become a Premier League team again

**** me that’s a low bar, we are a Premier league team from the off. 
We didn’t scrape up though the playoffs unexpectedly 

[HankMarvin]

1 hour ago, Dr The Singh said:

Coops says all the right things.  Let’s hope he lives his words.

He has more experience giving these type of speeches than he does prem wins 

[StriderHiryu]

 

My match preview here. How do we win? Being brave enough to play through Bournemouth's mid-block press and utlise the space they leave in behind. We know we can do it, we did it last season! But will Cooper set us up to do so?

 

 

 

 

[Pliskin]

19 minutes ago, StriderHiryu said:

 

My match preview here. How do we win? Being brave enough to play through Bournemouth's mid-block press and utlise the space they leave in behind. We know we can do it, we did it last season! But will Cooper set us up to do so?

 

 

 

 

I feel Cooper sets up to try and neutralise the opponents attack, rather than focus on how we can break teams down. He either does one or the other, and seemingly can’t come up with a system to do both. 

[J. James]

3 hours ago, Bourbon Fox said:

Yes, but this is what will happen over the course of the season if we continue to drop points against the teams immediately around us.

 

Nothing's 'must win' until you reach a point where the crunch is coming, then things get desperate and you start to need less and less probable results to stay in touch of 'pure survival'.

 

Bournemouth conceded 2 against Everton and lost to the hammers. They've only beaten Southampton and Everton. Points here are badly needed to make up for the 4 dropped against lower opposition. They should be bearable.

 

Lose this and the screw turns a little tighter, and the pressure is on to pick up points against Forest and Man Utd, with and Ipswich Everton facing runs of similar difficulty over the next few weeks.

For me there is could win, should win and must win.. Since we thrashed Man city at their place some months ago (about 48), l dont have a can't win anymore!

 

Imao this one is a definite could win.

[Ashley]

2 hours ago, suffolk fox said:

You do realise Bournemouth are our bogey side.  until, the cup last season and when Phillips scored for us against them we haven't beaten them.  Even in our title winning season we drew twice against them.

 

Bournemouth, are a better team than last season too fact.

 

 

No they aren't. 

 

Championship season we beat them twice. Five draws with them in the PL. Two wins for us in the PL, 3 wins for them.

 

Then the cup win. Hardly a bogey side?

 

Anyway, that wouldn't go towards the betting markets. 

[StriderHiryu]

1 hour ago, Pliskin said:

I feel Cooper sets up to try and neutralise the opponents attack, rather than focus on how we can break teams down. He either does one or the other, and seemingly can’t come up with a system to do both. 

I'm not even sure he tries to break down teams! Look at our expected goal threat, it's one of the worst in the league. In the video there's an example of how Chelsea attack with 5 players, as we did last season. But this season we attack with 4 at most, and sometimes even fewer, there were multiple examples of us attacking with just 3 players going forwards against Arsenal.

 

Bournemouth proved last season that as they started attacking teams more often, they conceded less. Cooper needs to take the handbrake off, but it seems like all the managers that come from the English FA setup all favour defence, multiple England U21 and below managers such as Boothroyd, Southgate and Cooper are all cowards.