AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe will be seeking further improvement from his squad during their pre-season training camp in Spain.
Howe’s players today headed to Murcia where they will be put through their paces at La Manga Club before continuing their preparations in Barcelona.
The 12-day camp includes two friendlies – against AFC Wimbledon at La Manga Club Football Center on July 16th and Girona at Estadi Olímpic Lluís Companys four days later.
Howe’s team enjoyed their best start to a Premier League campaign last season having warmed up for 2018/19 at La Manga Club and the boss is hoping for more of the same.
He told afcbTV: “We had a really good time at La Manga Club last summer and we worked incredibly hard.
“The facilities were brilliant, the people were excellent and everything there – we felt really did help us. It enabled us to get off to a great start to the season.
“We didn’t want to repeat everything so we’ve decided to shorten our stay there and go to Barcelona to keep things fresh for the players.
“The facilities, the hotel, the shortness of the trip from the hotel to the training ground; everything there was superb and we were catered for very well, so it enabled us to help build the team spirit and get everyone fit and firing in the same direction.
“We’re going to be working on all areas during this pre-season, I’d be foolish to say there’s just one in particular. Everyone from the outside may point to one specific thing but, in my shoes, if you neglect any then you will come up short.
“The aim is to improve the team ahead of the start of the season and we’re really excited to be back. It’s a great part of the season as a coach as we emphasise our philosophy and how we want the players to play this season.”
The Cherries will spend eight days at La Manga Club and three in Barcelona, returning home on July 21st. The games against AFC Wimbledon and Girona will kick-off at 8pm local time (7pm UK time) and will both be streamed live on afcbTV.
