Bournemouth's spirit has always been strong, says Eddie Howe
Thursday 24 December 2015 13:04, UK
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says his squad are not getting carried away by their excellent run in the Premier League.
The Cherries are unbeaten in their last five games and are on a three-match winning streak which includes victories over Chelsea and Manchester United.
This run followed a five-game losing stretch, but Howe insists the spirit in his squad remained strong even during the barren spell.
"I would say we have been pretty consistent," he said. "I wouldn't say the spirit is any higher than it has been at any other time. People may find that hard to believe, but even during the difficult moments we have had this season, the spirit in the camp, the enthusiasm, the lads with each other, the environment they have created is very strong.
"It needs to be resolute in times of difficulty and in times of success and they have managed to maintain that consistency throughout. I don't think anything has changed really. We have maybe had a slightly more positive outlook due to the fact we picked up a couple of key results [draws] against Swansea and Everton.
"They were just the first signs of the belief growing and when you get results against sides likes Chelsea and Manchester United it only reaffirms the belief that you can win anywhere in this league.
"But as much as we are enjoying the run, we have got to make sure that we do find that consistency because we know that very quickly in this league it can turn difficult again. So we are keeping a level head, we are keeping very stable and trying to concentrate very much on the next training session."
Howe is now preparing for a home game against sixth-placed Crystal Palace on Boxing Day and he says the Eagles provide a great example for clubs like Bournemouth.
He said: "We very much respect Crystal Palace and the work that Alan Pardew has done there. They will prove a tough test. They're a club that we look at and would like to emulate. They are run very well and now stable in the Premier League.
"They come here in really good form, as do we, so it should be a good battle. They do have potential match-winners in their side but if we can get our game right we can cause them problems.
"They do have pace out wide and they have added some creativity in the middle of the pitch."
