AFC Bournemouth coach Eddie Howe believes his Championship-topping side will go back an improved team after their warm weather training camp in Dubai.
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It is the first time the young English manager has brought a side out to the UAE and he was left thoroughly impressed with the set-up at Dubai Sports City.
“The facilities are first class and I am really, really impressed,” he told Sport360 after the final training session. “We have been well looked after and I think it has been a worthwhile experience.”
It wasn’t, however, a relaxing trip for the Bournemouth players, who are sitting at the top of the Championship after a remarkable campaign.
“We have worked the players very hard,” added the 37-year-old. “It’s a change of environment for us and a chance to take the players away, get some privacy and do some hard work.
“It’s obviously very hot here. We have trained very early and got our work in. I hope we go back a better team than when we came.”
Howe insists he is taking nothing for granted despite Bournemouth’s position at the summit, with the former Burnley boss refusing to entertain the idea of Premier League football next season yet.
“It’s all about keeping this group concentrated on the short-term objectives. The only way I can do that is by commenting on the short-term objectives which is the next game. Next season isn’t in our thoughts.
“People say we have got a decent run-in but the Championship has proved that no game is easy and no-one gives you anything.
“The games are very competitive, the margins are very small between winning and losing, so we respect all the teams in the division and we know it is going to be very tough.”
One man who is keeping tabs on Bournemouth’s rise is former West Ham, Spurs and QPR boss Harry Redknapp, who cut his managerial teeth with The Cherries – famously masterminding an FA Cup victory over then-holders Manchester United in the 1984 FA Cup.
HARRY REDKNAPP spotted at the Dubai World Cup! Next to my table! @DWC_Meydan
— Rahul (@rahulm3) March 28, 2015
Howe said: “Harry’s a real Bournemouth man. He still lives in the area, he supports the club and watches the club when he can. I’m sure he is very proud of the team and would love to see Bournemouth reach its potential.”
