Iraola Addresses Injuries, Team Morale, and Manchester City Challenge

Andoni Iraola, the manager of Bournemouth, addressed the media ahead of Saturday’s Premier League fixture against Manchester City, scheduled for a 15:00 GMT kick-off. The following are the main points from his press briefing: Regarding player availability, Alex Scott continues to be sidelined due to a long-term injury. Kepa Arrizabalaga and Luis Sinisterra will also be unavailable for Saturday’s game. Philip Billing is “training normally” following a period of illness, though Dango Ouattara’s availability remains uncertain. Tyler Adams, who played 20 minutes in the previous match against Aston Villa, is “training really well” and is described as being “in a good spot”. Addressing his team’s confidence, Iraola stated: “I don’t think it’s about confidence, I think it’s about preparing as well as we can for the game. It’s really going to be a difficult one, considering the position but trying to give us chances. I think the game we played here last season, it can be a good reference for us. They beat us 1-0 but I think we played quite well and we have to be very similar or even better to have any chance against them.” When asked about goalkeeper Mark Travers, Iraola commented: “It’s not a surprise for us, we know that level Mark has. I think this season the position has been quite solid, this is what they [the goalkeepers] have to do. It’s not a matter of ‘I play, you play’. All the goalkeepers are giving us a very good level, I hope we can continue with this in the same level.” Regarding the Cherries’ historical performance against City, Iraola noted: “It’s 14 games, 14 losses. There is a reason and also this year they are unbeaten in the Premier League, top of the table. It’s not just difficult for Bournemouth, it’s difficult for everyone. But we have to play against them twice a season so we have to maximise our options, give our best and see if it’s enough.” Describing Pep Guardiola’s team, he stated: “They control the game and they choose sometimes when to push harder and when to control the game more, when to rest on the ball sometimes. If they feel the need, they normally have one more gear over the opposition and they have done it so consistently for so much time, it’s because they are very good and they know what they are doing.”