Journalist: How Marco Rose's First Weeks Could Shape Bournemouth's Season

With AFC Bournemouth preparing for their first-ever Europa League season, Bournemouth Echo journalist Alexander Smith believes the coming weeks could prove pivotal as new head coach Marco Rose assesses his squad ahead of a demanding campaign.

Speaking to Back of the Net, Smith suggested Bournemouth's transfer business is likely to be shaped just as much by the players already at the club as by any new arrivals.

"Beyond the striker and the centre-back, which were always going to be the initial priorities, I think these first three weeks and the block in Austria are going to be really, really important in terms of the transfer business for Marco Rose to have a look at the wider squad."

While established names such as Alex Scott, Tyler Adams, Rayan and Junior Kroupi already have Rose's attention, Smith believes pre-season presents a clean slate for several fringe players.

He highlighted Max Aarons, Julian Araujo and Julio Soler as footballers who now have a genuine opportunity to force their way into Bournemouth's plans.

"These three weeks will be really important for Rose to have a look at them and assess them and decide whether they're up to standard, whether they need to go out, whether they need to be sold or whether they can be an important squad player."

With Bournemouth facing a potentially hectic schedule across the Premier League, Europa League and domestic cups, Smith believes strength in depth will be crucial.

"The goal is to have at least two first-team options for every position... they're going to need them."

Although Smith was yet to attend Marco Rose's first press conference at the time of recording, he admitted the German had already made a positive early impression.

"His first interview was impressive. He was really calm... he certainly has done his reading. Talking about the Grimsby game and things like that was a big tick in the box."

Rose's experience in both the Champions League and Europa League also stood out.

"He comes in with Europa League experience, Champions League experience, which will be so important this season."

Away from the pitch, Smith also reflected on visiting the redevelopment works at Dean Court during the club's recent groundbreaking ceremony.

Despite the unfinished appearance, he remains confident the project is progressing rapidly.

"You look at the stand one day and there's nothing, then the next day they're all in. Things progress quite quickly."

He also pointed to Bournemouth's expanded hospitality offering as an important source of future revenue.

"They're redoing all of the lounges... trying to broaden it out and maximise that revenue."

With Alex Scott, Junior Kroupi and Rayan attracting widespread attention following outstanding seasons, Smith believes Bournemouth are under no immediate pressure to cash in.

"I'm quietly confident around the three of them... financially I think they're in a position where they don't need to sell."

Instead, he expects sporting president Tiago Pinto to focus on strengthening Marco Rose's squad rather than weakening it.

"They want to give Marco Rose the best possible squad for his first season and really give things a good go."

Smith will spend Bournemouth's pre-season tour in Austria covering training sessions, friendlies and Marco Rose's first weeks in charge before following the Cherries throughout their historic European campaign.

Looking ahead to 2026/27, he believes a successful season doesn't necessarily require another top-six finish.

"A solid Premier League finish and a decent showing in Europe... I think that would be a good season."

With Bournemouth preparing for the busiest campaign in their history, Rose's opening weeks may ultimately determine how far the club can go both domestically and in Europe.