James Hill says clear coaching from Marco Rose is a major reason for Bournemouth's defensive solidity as they target a seventh consecutive clean sheet against Sparta Prague. The Cherries defender praised the manager's structured training sessions for making on-ball decisions "much easier" for the players.
Bournemouth have kept six clean sheets across all competitions during a perfect start to their first European campaign, winning all three of their Europa League group matches. Hill, 24, highlighted the importance of the team's defensive organisation as they prepare for Thursday's trip to the Czech capital. This defensive resilience has been central to a remarkable run of five wins and no draws or defeats in their last five matches, a sequence that began with a 3-0 victory over AC Milan on 22 October.
"There's so many different things from last year and this year," Hill said. "It's about maintaining the football as well as being on the front foot defending.
He added that Rose's methods provide players with the clarity needed to perform. "It's been incredible," Hill said of the overall experience. The defender, signed from Fleetwood Town for a reported £1m in January 2022, emphasised that every squad member has been ready to contribute during a busy schedule. Hill stated.
Manager Marco Rose has previously described Hill as "one of the best defenders in England". The team's defensive record supports that view, forming the foundation for a five-match winning streak that has lifted them to ninth in the Premier League with 12 points from nine games, comprising three wins, three draws and three losses. This result followed a 3-1 win away to Sparta Praha on 5 November, where Tyler Adams, Francisco Evanilson and Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha were on the scoresheet.
That run includes a 3-1 victory over Sparta Prague at home last week, with goals from Tyler Adams, Francisco Evanilson and Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha. Bournemouth will be without Alex for several months following surgery, while Juanlu is being assessed for an ankle injury. Rose confirmed the team will also be without Antoine Semenyo for the trip to Prague due to a minor injury.
Close to 1,000 Bournemouth fans are expected to travel to Prague for the match. After the European fixture, attention turns to a Premier League home game against Nottingham Forest on Saturday 21 November. Forest currently sit 16th in the table. The Cherries' top scorer this season is Marcus Tavernier with five goals. The team's overall record of 14 goals scored and 13 conceded this season shows the importance of their defensive strength as they look to close a 15-point gap to league leaders Arsenal.
The report in full is at bbc.com
