Iraola on Cook's injury, Huijsen rumours and Europe
- Published
Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Manchester United (kick-off 14:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
Iraola expressed some doubts about Lewis Cook's availability due to an ongoing ankle issue which he was been struggling with.
On what position will be good enough to qualify for Europe and how he approaches that: "We don't know what's going to happen or what position will give you access to Europe. There are seven teams comfortably ahead of us and three or four teams we are fighting with for a possible spot. We like to think that there is at least one position open but we know it will be difficult because we have a difficult schedule."
He knows that the gap is widening and there are "a lot of teams fighting for one position" so you have to get "good results and try to win every game".
He doesn't think the speculation around Antoine Semenyo and Milos Kerkez is affecting the team, adding: "The players are focused on what they have to do and there are some things you cannot control, but it is not affecting us."
Iraola believes Dean Huijsen can "block out" transfer rumours and said that he has been "training and playing well as usual".
On opponents Manchester United: "They don't change their structure a lot. I expect a tight game. They defend well and don't give you a lot of chances so we have to be prepared for the best possible Manchester United team."
In response to whether he thinks United will have more focus on their Europa League semi-final: "Thursday is important for them, of course, but they will want to beat us on Sunday also and so we have prepared for their strongest 11."
Iraola was "very pleased" with the recent back-to-back clean sheets and was happy with the points gained from their matches against Crystal Palace and Fulham, adding: "It is important to keep adding points and if you are strong defensively, then it allows you to create chances. Our defensive numbers have been really good and we are not conceding cheap goals like we did last season."
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