Eddie Howe admits that some of his players at Bournemouth have mentally struggled to adjust to life without football.
The Premier League and football across the country has been put to a standstill due to the coronavirus crisis.
There are hopes that the top flight could make a return in June, with the government confirmed to be in dialogue with the Premier League.
The global health pandemic is an ever-evolving issue though, so it’s not clear whether this will actually happen.
Howe is in communication with all of the Cherries players and revealed that ‘one or two’ are ‘missing the game greatly’.
He told Adrian Durham and Darren Gough on Drivetime: “Our sports scientists are in regular contact with the players to see if they’re keeping in line with the programmes that we’ve given them.
“But I back our players and how fit and energetic they are. Our statistics are very good. Fitness is a huge part of what we do.
“Speaking to all of our players, I know one or two really miss football. They really miss that high that they get, they miss that feeling of being around their teammates every day. I think the most common conversation I have is ‘I really miss the lads’.
“I think mentally there’s work to do with some of the players when they come back. They miss the game greatly.”
It’s been a tricky season for Bournemouth, who are currently in the relegation zone.
However, some players have had decent campaigns, including forward Harry Wilson, 23, who’s spending the season at the Vitality Stadium on loan from Liverpool.
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, 21, has also been a shining light for them and Howe was quick to praise the pair.
Howe added: “Harry’s goals have been pivotal. He’s been a real goalscorer for us. When we haven’t scored enough he’s chipped in with some.
“Aaron has probably been the big surprise, although I don’t want to say surprise because I really think he’s an exceptional goalkeeper but to everyone else he’s been a surprise.
“He’s accepted the challenge brilliantly for a young goalkeeper which is probably the hardest position to blood young players in.
“He’s taken that responsibility and never looked back so to this point he’s been magnificent for us.”
Listen to the full Eddie Howe interview above!
Give COVID-19 the red card
The quicker we work together to stop coronavirus spreading, the sooner we can get back into the pubs, the gyms and stadiums and arenas to see live sport again…
STAY AT HOME. Only leave for the following purposes:
- to shop for basic essentials – only when you really need to
- to do one form of exercise a day – such as a run, walk or cycle, alone or with other people you live with
- for any medical need – for example, to visit a pharmacy or deliver essential supplies to a vulnerable person
- to travel to and from work – but only where this is absolutely necessary
For more info and tips, visit the NHS website.
The government has also issued further detail on what we can do during lockdown.
Everyone should do what they can to stop coronavirus spreading.
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