Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola has been speaking to the media before Monday’s Premier League game against Southampton (20:00 BST).
Here are the key lines from his news conference:
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He is “disappointed” to be serving a touchline ban for the game: “We cannot change it. They told me that with yellow cards, you cannot appeal them. That is something that doesn’t happen in Spain. Over there you can do it.”
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Team news is “difficult” to assess because the fixture is still three days away, but “right now” he expects his whole squad to be available apart from longer-term absentee Tyler Adams.
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He praised Saints youngster Tyler Dibling, who has featured in all five Premier League games this season: “He looks very good. He has made the difference in some games. It’s not usual to play like this when you are 18 years old. He is one of the threats.”
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On having his first opportunity to experience the rivalry between the Cherries and Southampton: “I’m sure this is a game our supporters want to win, and their supporters probably feel the same way. It is a derby – a game that everybody always wants to win. Considering the standings, I think it’s a very important game for us.”
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He refused to accept the idea that Southampton are relegation favourites this early on in the season: “We have been relegation favourites for the past two seasons, no? I think it’s very early to make conclusions. They did a very good job last season – it is always difficult to get promoted.”
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On what he expects from Russell Martin’s side, he added: “It looks like an exciting game. It will be a demanding one, but I think we are training well and ready for it. I’m sure they will be a good team. I don’t see weak teams in the Premier League.”
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Bournemouth are going to have to get points in “every game we play against a non-European team” if they are to show signs of improvement this season. Iraola added: “These kinds of games are definitive. Every time you play, you have to take the most you can.”
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He is “happy” with only two teams having more shots than his side in the Premier League this season, but he stressed: “We aren’t being efficient enough. My experience in football is that if you continue doing these things, then you get the reward. But it isn’t guaranteed, so we need to demand more in the final third.”
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On whether he was personally interested in bringing goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale – who joined Southampton from Arsenal – back to Vitality Stadium this summer: “No, not that I know. I think he is a very good goalkeeper. I don’t know him personally, but everyone here speaks very positively about him. I hope he doesn’t have one of his best days against us.”
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