Suraci wants Cherries to perform under PL Cup pressure

The Cherries make the trip to Hanwell Town’s Powerday Stadium on Monday evening for the third game of the competition, looking to continue their 100% record.

Speaking to afcb.co.uk ahead of the game, the interim development squad coach admitted he’s excited for the occasion.

“What a great game for them! QPR away, under the lights, Premier League Cup game. It’s a really good opportunity for the boys.

“It’s one that I know they’re excited for and one, as staff, we’re excited for.

“The tactical prep will be more detailed, as we’ll know more about them, and we’ll try to replicate more of a first team environment so they can feel the pressure.

“It’s important to try to perform whilst under that pressure, both mentally, in terms of the emotions, and cognitively, in terms of understanding the tactical element and trying to implement it.”

Suraci has been in interim charge since the start of September, with Shaun Cooper and Tommy Elphick stepping up to the first team to support interim head coach Gary O’Neil.

He’s been supported by legendary Cherries forward Brett Pitman, who came through the academy ranks himself before scoring 102 goals in 301 games for the club.

Suraci acknowledges that the squad have adapted well to the changes, despite a disappointing result in last week’s friendly with Eastleigh.

He said: “The lads have done really well in the Premier League Cup this season and to be fair, they’re done very well in a bit of a turbulent period with Coops and Tommy going into the first team and myself, as head of coaching, and Brett, as an age-group coach, coming in.

“The way they’ve trained and the intensity they’ve shown have been excellent but we lacked those things against Eastleigh.

“If we get back to what we’re capable of, we’ll be in a really good place for the game.”