Fletcher warns Rose that Premier League survival must come before Europa League glory

Bournemouth icon Steve Fletcher has called on incoming manager Marco Rose to keep the Premier League front and centre as the club prepares for a historic first European campaign in 127 years, warning that the excitement of the Europa League must not distract from top-flight survival.

The Cherries finished sixth in the Premier League last season — just three points behind the Champions League qualification place claimed by Liverpool, who subsequently poached Bournemouth head coach Andoni Iraola. That remarkable finish earned Bournemouth a Europa League group that includes AC Milan, Juventus, Bayer Leverkusen, Marseille, and Real Sociedad.

Rose, who was appointed ahead of fellow candidates Kieran McKenna and Inigo Perez, arrives with a reputation for attacking, high-energy football — qualities Fletcher believes make him the ideal successor to Iraola. “Marco Rose is the perfect replacement for Andoni because we are a football club who like to play a certain way,” said Fletcher, the club’s record appearance holder with over 650 games. “We like attacking football and we like pressing teams and are very energetic.”

But Fletcher, whose comments came as the club announced a new sleeve partnership, was equally clear about where the hierarchy’s message will land. “That will be reiterated to everyone at this football club, whether you are a player or a staff member, because the Premier League is our bread and butter, and we can’t lose sight of that,” he said. “As much as Europe is going to be exciting and it will put us on the map, you can’t lose sight of what is the most important thing.”

Fletcher acknowledged the scale of the challenge but remained optimistic. “This is the first time and it is a baptism of fire for us, but everyone at the football club will be doing everything they can to make sure we stay in the Premier League and we represent ourselves really well. We will try to better what we did last season. Is that a tough ask? Yes, it is, but is it possible? Yes, it is.”

Rose has already been at the club for several days ahead of pre-season, with Fletcher noting the new manager has been “nothing short of fabulous already”. Bournemouth open the new Premier League campaign away at Manchester City before hosting Everton and travelling to Newcastle United.