Marco Rose has labelled the next seven days as the biggest week in AFC Bournemouth's 127-year history. The manager's comments come ahead of the club's first-ever Europa League match and a Premier League clash with Liverpool.
Rose made the statement in his post-match news conference on Saturday following a 2-2 draw with Brentford. He said the upcoming European debut in San Sebastián on Thursday, followed by hosting Liverpool at the Vitality Stadium on Sunday, represents a monumental moment for the club. "It's the biggest week in the history of this club," Rose told reporters, outlining the scale of the challenge and opportunity.
Draw with Brentford
The immediate context is a mixed start to the Premier League season, with Bournemouth sitting 15th on three points after four games. They are still searching for a first league win under Rose after drawing 2-2 with Brentford at home. Justin Kluivert opened the scoring for the Cherries in the 38th minute, and Marcus Tavernier added a second early in the second half after a clever assist from striker Francisco Evanilson.
That lead was surrendered just four minutes later, however, when a clearance from goalkeeper Djordje Petrovic fell to Brentford's Kevin Schade, who scored his second of the game. The result leaves Bournemouth with a record of zero wins, three draws, and one loss from their opening league fixtures.
European debut looms
Despite the league struggles, Rose expressed more comfort with the prospect of Thursday's Europa League match than Sunday's league game. Around 2,000 travelling fans are expected to make the trip to Spain to witness the historic occasion. The manager's focus is now squarely on preparing his squad for the dual challenge, with the team's recent form showing one win, three draws, and one loss in their last five outings across all competitions.
Forward Justin Kluivert echoed his manager's optimism in an interview after the Brentford game. The squad will need to be at its best, especially with several players currently sidelined including Amine Adli, Veljko Milosavljević, Eli Junior Kroupi, and Julián Araujo. Fans can check the latest availability on the club's injuries list.
The week begins with the long-awaited European bow against Real Sociedad and culminates with the visit of Andoni Iraola's Liverpool, who currently sit seventh in the table. Bournemouth's next Premier League fixture is at home to Liverpool on Sunday, 20 September.
