Eddie Howe fears international break could disrupt Bournemouth's recent form: 'We would have wanted to build on the real positives'

  • Bournemouth currently sit 19th in the Premier League after seven matches
  • Eddie Howe's side were held to a 0-0 draw at home to Leicester on Saturday
  • Howe claims the 'past international break really did hinder' Bournemouth 

The international break could hinder Bournemouth's ability to maintain their recent form in the Premier League as players struggle to retain match fitness over the next two weeks, manager Eddie Howe has said.

After starting their campaign with four consecutive defeats, Bournemouth recorded a win over Brighton and Hove Albion, a narrow defeat at Everton and most recently, a goalless draw with Leicester City and Howe is keen to maintain the rhythm.

'We would have wanted to build on the real positives,' Howe said.

Bournemouth were held to a goalless draw at home to Leicester on Saturday afternoon

Bournemouth were held to a goalless draw at home to Leicester on Saturday afternoon

'The past international break really did hinder us; a lot of players went away and didn't play.


'That's probably the biggest problem we have. They don't play for two weeks, they don't train for two weeks; they come back and look a little bit rusty. We hope that's not the case this time.'

Bournemouth, who are 19th in the table, face a tough fixture list after the break as they travel to Tottenham Hotspur on October 14, followed by a visit to Stoke City and a home game against champions Chelsea. 

Howe claims the previous 'international break really did hinder' his Bournemouth side

Howe claims the previous 'international break really did hinder' his Bournemouth side