By Kieran Green
AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has said his side are still looking upwards, despite the fact that they are anything but safe.
The Cherries go into Saturday’s game away at Leicester City three points behind their opponents, knowing that a win could propel them to 11th in the table, whilst a loss could see them drop several places in the opposite direction.
“I don’t think we have ever really had the mindset that we are looking over our shoulder,” Howe explained.
“We have always this season tried to look upwards and try and achieve.”
The Cherries are currently ten points clear of the relegation zone, with their position in the Premier League table far from secure.
Despite the uncertainty of where Bournemouth could end up after Saturday’s fixture, Howe remains level headed, and has recognised that his side are still some distance from safety.
He said: “Every point is huge, and we are desperately still trying to achieve this season, whilst acknowledging the fact that I don’t think we are safe yet and we still have more work to do.”
There was also praise for Leicester boss Brendan Rodgers, who has been looking to revitalise his side since replacing Claude Puel at the end of February.
The Foxes have taken maximum points from their last two fixtures, as they look to establish a long-awaited run of good form in the league.
Howe was quick to recognise the impact that the new manager has already had on this Saturday’s opponent, and the difficulty that Bournemouth will face when playing against them.
Howe said: “Brendan has come in and had a real impact on the team, and that is no surprise to me.
“He is a very forward-thinking coach and he is outstanding at what he does.
“When you look at his record, I think it speaks for itself.
“He has had success wherever he has gone. I think he has done excellent work so it will be interesting to see now how that transfers itself to Leicester, but I am sure it will follow the same pattern.
“We know how difficult the game will be but we go there with confidence.”
Bournemouth face Leicester at The King Power Stadium on Saturday, with kick off at 3pm.