Making the most of the international break

A lot has been made of the international breaks and what to do in that period. AFCB made great use of the period last time by working hard and being fully prepared for the set of fixtures they had in October and November. The Cherries are still looking to improve the organisation side of their defending and shape for different match scenarios. They have not played three at the back very often and know that playing with and against 10 men has been vitally important. The more used they are to managing different game situations the more they will know what they have to do.

AFCB players seem comfortable in the Championship.

What I have noticed this season is that the players are more composed on the ball. There is less hesitation over decision making and the first aim seems to be to go forward now, whereas in the past it has often been to go sideways and backwards as soon as a player was challenged. What looks easy on the eye is usually the result of many hours on the training ground and while Callum Wilson, Ryan Fraser, Tokelo Rantie and Baily Cargill may not see as much of that as the other players these next couple of weeks, I hope some of those players not in the starting 11 at the moment can start to push their case.

The importance of rest has also been highlighted and while some players need games others need a bit of rest time. Being sharp for Ipswich is what is key and that should be a match that everyone wants to be selected for in front of a big home crowd.

Finally, I did hear that Mohammed Coulibaly has returned to AFC Bournemouth after his loan period at Coventry has been ended early. Personal reasons were said by one report to be behind the reason, so I wish Mo and Aly who are at the club all the best.