Howe demands players remember ‘pain’ of Huddersfield defeat ahead of Newcastle clash

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe wants his squad to remember the ‘pain’ caused by the heavy defeat at Huddersfield, ahead of the return to Premier League action this weekend.

A strong start to the year saw Howe honoured with the Premier League’s January Manager of the Month award, but the 4-1 reverse at the John Smith’s stadium a fortnight ago brought an end to the south coast side’s record seven game unbeaten streak.

The Cherries boss stressed how important it was for his squad to bounce back.

“With a change of scene, I think naturally you are able to put that game to the back of your mind.

“But hopefully not too far away because I want the pain of that defeat and how it felt afterwards to inspire the players for the game coming up.”

Bournemouth face Newcastle United next, who travel to the Vitality Stadium off the back of a 1-0 victory over Manchester United. Howe said he believes the result will have provided the Magpies with a “lift” before Saturday’s clash.

“You saw from us, when we beat Chelsea, it gave everyone a spring in our step, a real confidence we can compete with anyone in the division.

“We are aware they are dangerous opposition, and we respect them a lot.”

Before the heavy defeat against the Terriers, Bournemouth had recorded impressive victories against Everton and Arsenal – the Dorset club’s maiden triumph over the Gunners. This came before a trip to last season’s champions, Chelsea, where Howe’s men ran out 3-0 winners, with former Blue Nathan Ake stabbing home a third to round off another impressive away day at Stamford Bridge.

But throughout the unbeaten period, the Cherries have been without several key members of the squad.

Jermain Defoe made a return to first-team training ahead of the Newcastle clash, after picking up a severe ankle injury in the Carabao Cup defeat to Antonio Conte’s side.

“We’re in pretty good shape ahead of the game on Saturday,” Howe said.

“We’ve picked up a couple of knocks in the two week window since our last game.

“On Tyrone [Mings], he’s still out long-term and still won’t feature – he’s currently abroad working hard on a return.

“Jermain was our other long-term injury and it’s a big lift for everyone to get Jermain back.

“He’s trained and I’m pleased with what we’ve seen, he’s a natural goalscorer and we look forward to getting him back.”

When asked about the Cherries’ recent impressive victories, Howe emphasised the importance of staving off complacency.

“Although the league table looks good in terms of position, the gap of points between us and the teams beneath us is not big.

“We have a lot of work to do and I am under no illusions that we still have to deliver.”

Kick off at the Vitality Stadium is at 3:00pm.