Iraola on Kluivert, Europe chase and Crystal Palace

ByMarissa Thomas
BBC Sport journalist
  • Published

Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Sunday's Premier League game against Crystal Palace at Vitality Stadium (kick-off 14:00 BST).

Here are the key lines from his news conference:

  • Iraola gave an injury update on his squad as midfielder Justin Kluivert is back with the team after five months out: "It's very positive news for us, Justin is a very important player in our team. He has been training this week, still not fully but at a very good level. Probably Sunday arrives too early for him but I think he will help us in the last games of the season and he will have quality minutes. His knee is responding really well after training."

  • Iraola added: "The only other one out is Lewis Cook. I hope next week he starts training with us but everyone else is recovered and we hope now with Justin and Lewis everyone is in a good place to help because we will need everything. I hope everyone pushes."

  • On whether he can take Bournemouth into Europe for the first time in 127 years: "The opportunity is there. I think we are in a very good place but we still need a lot of points. The situation is very tight. If we want to get Europe, we have to win games. We have four chances like the others starting from Sunday against Palace. We don't have an easy game so we will have to earn everything but I think we have shown that we want to take this opportunity and we arrive to this decisive moment in a good place."

  • On how many points he thinks they need for Europe: "We really don't know. You need a good amount of points in these four games because there are a lot of teams in the fight. Everyone is fighting and has difficult games. We need to win at least two games, maybe three."

  • On Crystal Palace: "It is very difficult to score against Palace, they defend so well, they are so organised and it is a very well coached team. They know what they are doing and it is difficult to create clear chances against them. Every detail is going to be very important. Normally they start games very well. We also have to start strong."

  • On fan reaction since he announced his departure: "I have always felt very valued and supported and my interactions are always very positive. I am very thankful because of this."

Listen to commentary of Bournemouth v Crystal Palace on BBC Radio 5 Sports Extra 2 from 13:55 BST on Sunday

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