Voices on the game... AFC Bournemouth

We’ve rounded up some of the key opinions ahead of kick-off in our latest Premier League test at AFC Bournemouth on Thursday evening (6pm UK)...

Peter Rutzler

AFC Bournemouth reporter for The Athletic

“They’re all must-win games now for Bournemouth, especially with Watford winning on Tuesday night against Norwich – that’s a four-point gap for them (from the drop zone) and it’s a massive cushion to be honest, even with their game in hand. The sides at the bottom just aren’t picking up points. Bournemouth’s run of form has been awful – one point from their last eight games – and the team has been struggling with the pressure of the situation, but you do get the feeling that with one positive result, it could turn things around and give them a lift. I think coming into this game, they’ll take some positives from the game against United. You look at a 5-2 defeat and think that there can’t be that many positives but it was the first game in which we’ve seen an attacking threat from Bournemouth for a while – they scored twice, once from open play as well, which is a big thing as they’ve been reliant on set-plays a lot throughout the season.

“Bournemouth will look to David Brooks. He’s carrying a hand injury at the moment and Eddie Howe spoke on Wednesday about how that’s sort of hindering him a bit, but he’s looked like one of the team’s brighter sparks. He’s a player who can create something out of nothing and they’ll need that quality. Callum Wilson has missed the last two games through suspension, but having him back after that little break will be a big boost with the games coming thick and fast and, in terms of form, Junior Stanislas has done very well. He’s had his injury problems in the past but in the games where he’s featured since the restart, he’s been very impressive in an attacking sense – obviously we saw his goal against United – but also defensively, working back and helping his full-backs. Whether he’ll feature, I don’t know, because with injuries they protect the players a little bit. Then of course there’s Nathan Ake, who is trying to steady the ship at the back. He’s a stand-out player and has been fantastic for Bournemouth this season, despite what has been an underwhelming campaign, especially at the back. Generally their performances have been better against the better sides though, so that’s encouraging – it’s just whether they can cope with the pressure of the situation.”

Eddie Howe

AFC Bournemouth manager

“I understand why people have written us off. I understand why the emotions are very negative towards us at the moment, but nothing changes my thought process. One win for West Ham, who were perceived negatively, and suddenly they’re now safe. A lot depends on the next few games before anything is decided and we have to maintain our belief that we can do this, and I certainly do.

“It’s been a hallmark of the team and this club that in adversity and difficult moments we can surprise people and we have to do that more than ever. Why should we raise the flag or sink into the negativity that surrounds us? No chance.

“Of course there’s a balance and we have to defend better than we did against Manchester United the other day. If we can get that balance right we will be a threat and then it’s up to our players when we get those chances to try and take them.”

Hugo Lloris

Spurs goalkeeper and captain

“There are so many games in a short time that we must be focussed on our recovery now and be ready for a fight on Thursday. We need to show and step up our level away from home. We cannot drop points any more. Even in our situation, it’s up to the other challengers for the European places. There is some frustration, some disappointment with our season, but there are still five games to go and it’s important to finish in the best way and maybe we can then be rewarded by our fight.”

Jose Mourinho

Spurs Head Coach

“We have to go to Bournemouth knowing that they play to try to stay in the Premier League, they play to avoid relegation and we have also to show that we play to try to have a European position. For that, we cannot go there and lose the game.

“I expect to face a team that knows that these five matches are going to decide if they are relegated or if they stay in the Premier League. That’s a big thing in players’ lives, in managers’ lives, even in the next few years, so they are going to be playing with everything they have and it’s going to be a very difficult match.”