After qualifying for European football for the first time in the clubs 127 year history, should AFC Bournemouth be happy to be there and make up the numbers, or should we aim to win the clubs first ever major trophy in our first season under Marco Rose?
The story of 'Always advance, never retreat' has been ringing around AFC Bournemouth fans ears since Bill Foley became owner of the football club 3 years ago, but would putting all of their eggs in the Europa League basket be the most logical way to go about next season?
I will give my two pence on what I think is best for AFCB to do next season, and how to sustainably balance out playing in a major European competition for the first time.
The first hurdle Cherries will need to overcome is the summer transfer window. With the trio of Rayan, Scott & Kroupi set to stay on the South Coast for at least another year, the core firepower of the squad is set to stay, which is a great start.
Action Images via Reuters/Paul ChildsWith the extra games being played next season, strength in depth will be key to balancing success domestically and in Europe. Investment will need to be made in the defensive regions as a priority, especially with Marcos Senesi putting pen to paper with Spurs today.
Personally, I think we need to sign a player in each of these positions in the defensive region to balance out the load on players, as well as bringing even more European experience to the squad.
GK - Backup
LB - Backup
LCB - Starting
RB - Starting
If Bournemouth were to sign players in each of these 4 positions, it would leave us with 3 GK'S (Petro, backup & 1 of Dennis or Paulsen), 3 left backs (2 if Soler goes, which is a big possibility), 4 CB's (Hill, Milo, Diakite & Senesi replacement), and 3 right backs (Smith, 1 of Araujo / Aarons & then a new starting RB).
REUTERS/Dylan MartinezAssuming we invest well in the summer, I would like AFCB to treat both the Premier & Europa League with the same mindset, as making the Premier League take a backseat could easily lead us into a Nottingham Forest style situation, and with the constant growth and development of Premier League sides, no games come easy.
To get through the group phase of the Europa League, we will be able to rotate against the pot 3 & 4 teams, and I would still back us to win if we did so. This will mean we can play our full strength team in the league, and accumulate as many points as possible before the knockouts start in late February.
Once the knockouts begin, as long as we have enough points to be solidly mid table, I will be happy to see us rotate in the league and go full strength on Thursday nights. Having this approach will allow us to fluidly rotate the squad, and still have a high chance of success in both competitions.
REUTERS/Dylan MartinezAnd the domestic cups? I don't think any of us would say no to a cup run, but that can be seen as an added bonus in my opinion.
