Bournemouth manager calls for reaction ahead of historic home European match

Bournemouth manager Marco Rose is calling for a strong reaction from his players ahead of their first home European fixture against Sturm Graz. The call follows a heavy 5-1 defeat to Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, which left the club in 18th place in the Premier League after six matches without a win.

Rose described the loss to Chelsea as a “real slap in the face” and expressed hope that the setback would motivate the squad at Vitality Stadium. This upcoming match marks a historic milestone for the club, as it is their first-ever home game in a major European competition.

Club captain Adam Smith noted that there were heated discussions in the dressing room following the weekend's failure, but the team remains determined to correct their course against the Austrian opponents. The club aims to build on their previous Europa League success, including a 2-1 victory over Real Sociedad.