AFC Bournemouth
Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola sat down with the media for a pre-match press conference ahead of Arsenal’s visit on Saturday.
Here are three things we learned…
1. Need to be efficient with tight schedule
Having welcomed Stoke City in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night, the Cherries have faced a quick turnaround for the Gunners’ visit.
Asked on the preparation time, he explained: “It’s always tough when the schedule is really tight but it’s the same for Arsenal.
“I’m sure Mikel will be in the same position with some players that he doesn’t know if they will play or not.
“We have to be ready, we have to prepare well for the game and I think we have to keep doing the things that we did the other day against Brighton but we have to try to be more efficient.”
2. Kluivert improving with every game
Iraola was also asked on how he feels Justin Kluivert is progressing since his summer arrival, with the Dutchman having made seven appearances so far this term.
“I think he has been improving every game he’s played, he’s doing well,” the head coach said in his press conference.
“There is strong competition in his position, we have a lot of players playing wide that are fighting for those two spots.
“It’s a tough decision for me every time we play a game but it’s a good one to have.
“They know that they have to push and have to be good in the minutes they have, sometimes it will be 60, sometimes 30, sometimes they will not play.
“I have to try to choose the ones that I feel are in a better moment.”
3. Looking to get Sinisterra more involved
Another winger at Iraola’s disposal is on-loan Leeds United man Luis Sinisterra, who he explained he was also keen to get more involved.
The head coach said: “It would have been good if he could have played some minutes the other day against Stoke, he couldn’t so he has to continue.
“At home against Chelsea, he gave us some good minutes and finished tired, he needs this.
“When you change clubs and the training is different and the styles are different, you need to build your physical strength.
“We know that his quality is there, he is very good, especially offensively, he’s a difference maker and we need him here.”
