flag
back Back
Rose on Kroupi's fitness, a 'change in mindset' and Evanilson's potential

Bournemouth boss Marco Rose has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Ipswich at Portman Road (kick-off 14:00 GMT).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Adam Smith's 45-minute run out in Bournemouth's 3-1 win over Sparta Prague was planned "before the game" and was not due to any injury concern.

  • Eli Junior Kroupi "understands" that he needs to "improve his fitness level" before he is able to make a full 90-minute appearance, after sustaining a foot injury which required surgery in pre-season.

  • Rose added: "We need to avoid any type of reinjury and take care of him because he is a very important player for the club and the team. We hope to have him ready to start after the international break."

  • Alex Scott, who suffered a thigh injury while on England international duty in October, has "started to train with the team" but "isn't 100%" as yet.

  • When asked if the international break comes at a good time for his squad, Rose replied: "It helps us. We have some players that need to up their training, other players that need regular training sessions to get back fit, and other players who can afford to have a little rest before returning to training."

  • On how the club has balanced the Premier League with the Europa League so far: "I would say so far so good, but we are still in the process of figuring that out because this week we will have to travel for both of our games. It will be demanding so let's see how we adapt."

  • A "change in mindset" has seen Bournemouth win seven games in a row in all competitions, after "dropping points" and "not getting what we wanted" in the early stages of the 2026-27 season.

  • He added: "We are now defending and attacking together, we are adding that extra 5% to each performance, and we are winning games."

  • Bournemouth cannot afford to "switch off" against Gary O'Neil's late scorers this weekend, and he anticipates a "tough challenge" away from home.

  • However, Evanilson - who has scored four goals in his past four league appearances - will "smell out" any goalscoring opportunities for the Cherries. The number nine has made a "really good" start, with "maybe 15 or 20 goals" within his reach this season.

  • Lastly, he was asked about James Hill and Antonio Silva's centre-back partnership: "It is important to defend in a compact way in the Premier League. We have got better at pressing together and pushing up our last line recently. Silva has adapted to the league really quickly and Hill is one of the best English defenders we have."

You may like

Seagulls 'adapt' to Europe as Hurzeler braces for 'physical' Bees

aol.com 3 hours ago

Moyes relieved to see Everton make the best of unconvincing display

soccernews.com 2 hours ago

Stansfield enjoying altered role at high-flying Blues

aol.com 2 hours ago

I'm getting used to playing two games a week - Nyoni

aol.com 8 hours ago

Keenan, Baird and Beirne reflect on win over Argentina

bbc.co.uk 2 hours ago

Why Leeds press will suit Spurs' style

aol.com 8 hours ago

England 'disappointment' fuels Dewsbury-Hall's Everton heroics

bbc.com 1 hour ago

Bukayo Saka injury update: Mikel Arteta has latest news on Arsenal star

aol.com 6 hours ago

Exiled Jack Grealish RETURNS to Everton training after being dropped following boozy nights at pu...

dailymail.co.uk 8 hours ago

Everton analysis: Barry the lightning rod for Toffees

aol.com 3 hours ago