Bournemouth manager Marco Rose believes the club's fight to remain in the Football League in 2009 was more important than Thursday's Europa League meeting with AC Milan, despite acknowledging the significance of facing the Italian giants.
The Cherries have won their opening two matches in their first European campaign, beating Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz, and now have the opportunity to record a third consecutive victory.
Speaking ahead of the Milan fixture, Rose pointed to Bournemouth's remarkable escape from relegation out of League Two during the 2008–09 season.
Rose recalls Bournemouth's historic survival battle
Bournemouth began the 2008–09 campaign with a 17-point deduction and faced the prospect of dropping out of the Football League.
Their survival was secured on 25 April 2009, when Steve Fletcher scored the winning goal in a 2-1 victory over Grimsby Town at Dean Court.
Rose believes that match carried greater consequences for the club than Thursday's European encounter.
"It's a huge game. It's a big game and we are looking forward to play it, but I think many years ago the club had a much bigger game after the point reduction," Rose said, as reported by the Bournemouth Echo.
"A huge club of Europe is coming here, but we feel prepared. We love to play this kind of games."
Bournemouth's progress since that survival battle has taken them to European competition for the first time.
They marked their first European home match with a 3-0 victory over Sturm Graz last Thursday, following an opening win away to Real Sociedad.
Rose praises Milan manager Ruben Amorim
Rose also praised AC Milan manager Ruben Amorim, whom he previously faced when the Portuguese coach was in charge of Sporting CP.
The Bournemouth boss highlighted Milan's tactical organisation and their ability to press opponents.
"A really good side. Individual quality, clear plan, good in pressing, good in counter-pressing," Rose explained.
Milan arrive after a 4-0 Europa League victory over RB Salzburg, with teenager Alphadjo Cissé scoring a hat-trick.
The result followed an opening defeat against Benfica.
Rose also expressed admiration for Milan midfielder Luka Modrić, having previously faced the Croatian during his time at Real Madrid.
"I love Luka Modrić as a player, as a person. I admire him. I have a deep respect for his career," he said.
Despite the quality of the opposition, Rose made clear that Bournemouth would not abandon their usual approach.
"We want to play our intensity. We want to play forward, we want to be front-footed. Nothing changed."
Key Points
- Rose believes Bournemouth's 2009 Football League survival battle carried greater historical importance than facing AC Milan.
- Steve Fletcher's winner against Grimsby secured Bournemouth's survival after a 17-point deduction.
- Bournemouth have won their opening two Europa League matches against Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz.
- Rose praised Milan manager Ruben Amorim and midfielder Luka Modrić.
- Bournemouth intend to maintain their aggressive approach against the Italian side.
What's Next?
Bournemouth face AC Milan on Thursday, 22 October, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm BST.
The Cherries are seeking a third consecutive Europa League victory after winning their opening two league-phase fixtures.
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