Thursday, September 19, 2024

Iraola on Neto, improved squad competition and Everton

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Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Saturday’s Premier League game against Everton (15:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Bournemouth have no fresh injuries after the midweek Carabao Cup defeat at West Ham. Max Aarons will return to the squad after missing the game because of illness.

  • The Cherries are yet to win this season but Iraola is happy with the performances so far: “I really liked the two games we’ve played. It’s true that the reward has been very little considering the performances. I see players in a good moment. For sure, we need to improve because the games are decided in the boxes and we need to take our chances, but I like the way the team is playing.”

  • On Neto‘s potential move to Arsenal, following the arrival of Kepa Arrizabalaga from Chelsea: “If it happens I think it would be a very good option for him and we’re in a really good place with Kepa. [Mark] Travers is staying as well. The main idea of the club is to have three keepers.”

  • Iraola is satisfied with the Cherries’ transfer window so far: “I’m happy with the players we have. Obviously as a manager you want the best players possible, but I think we have very good players. The level of competition has grown a lot and everyone has improved.”

  • On the challenge posed by Everton: “It’s a very difficult game to go to Goodison to play. They push you a lot there. We have the experience from last season – it was one of the worst games we played for sure. They were better than us. I hope we can learn from that experience. I think we are a more solid team not but even doing good things is not enough to get a result there.”

  • He was not drawn into criticism of referees after controversial decisions against Newcastle and West Ham: “I try to focus on the things we can control. I try not to think too much about those things and focus on the things you can change, trust the referees and hope they can do a good job. I don’t want to continue with focusing too much on the refereeing.”

Follow all of Friday’s Premier League news conferences and the rest of the the action from transfer deadline day

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[BBC]

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