Thomas Frank is two for two in the Premier League so far. After a 2-0 victory over Man City, a tough task awaits with the visit of Bournemouth, who remain a "difficult” and "direct" opponent.
‘If we don’t run, we’ll have massive problems’
Frank is confident about the fixture on Saturday afternoon, but he has full respect for the opposition.
*“We have a strong plan to try to win against Bournemouth. I’ve got big belief we’re capable of doing it. We're facing a very good team and Andoni Iraola has done a top job with his coaching staff. “*
Big clubs have culled the Cherries this summer. Kepa Arrizabalaga arrived at **Arsenal**after he went back to Chelsea, Dean Huijsen has hit the ground running at Real Madrid, Illia Zabarnyi is settling in at Paris Saint-Germain, and **Milos Kerkez**is adapting to life with league champions Liverpool.
They have brought in **Adrien Truffert**and **Bafode Diakite**to reinforce the back four, and both men started at **Anfield**on opening day. Despite the minor mistakes that produced a 4-2 loss to the Reds, their resilience and energy exemplified the excellent work of Andoni Iraola on the south coast.
*“They just lost four of their back five including the keeper for this season and just continue producing good performances. I watched their game against Liverpool. They were very good. They could easily got something out of that game against the champions.”*
Last season, **Bournemouth**beat **Arsenal**home and away, defeated **Tottenham**1-0 at Dean Court, held **Chelsea**to a 2-2 draw at Stamford Bridge, took a 2-1 triumph against **Man City**at home, and won 3-0 at **Old Trafford**for the second season in a row. That belief will not have gone overnight.
“They had a fantastic season last year. We need to show them huge respect in defensive side of the game, be very good in that aspect because I'm convinced that we will create something. But if we don't run and don't defend and don't show the respect we'll have massive problems tomorrow.”
‘I’m clear on the principles’
The Dane drilled into the tactical details that make them so hard to play. Particularly, he pointed out how well they can outplay pressure: Antoine Semenyo is a highlight not only with his powerful two footed finishing but also his ability to hold onto passes in the air with his chest and win aerial duels.
“They play a very direct game through the lines and behind you so it's very difficult to defend and press them because they go over the top or behind us or against every team. They're really difficult.”
Yet, Frank feels his men can take all three points again if they hit all the fundamentals required.
“If we do that come out with that energy and positive feeling we have then I'm very confident that we can win the game but I'm very aware that we're going to a difficult task.”
He talked to the media about the adaptability of his side. The Dane has demonstrated he can change system, mainly using a 4-2-3-1 shape but also unveiling his classic 5-3-2 formation in the Super Cup.
“I'm clear on the principles we have in terms of how we want to play. So let's say high pressure. I'm big on the man. Let's say defending low. There's some zonal principles in defending the box.”
With all the options in midfield and attack. Frank feels he can target teams pragmatically each game.
“But also how we want to attack. There's also some clear principles there. But then I think you can tweak it a bit with the systems, can also tweak it in a system with different positions and players.”