Jordan Zemura
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Jordan Zemura thanks AFC Bournemouth ahead of Udinese move #AFCB

May 31, 2023
In April, Serie A side Udinese announced they had completed a deal to sign the left-back on a free transfer, once his contract at Cherries expired this summer. The parting of the ways was not particularly amicable, with the higher-ups at Cherries left in the dark about Zemura’s movements. That consequently saw the 23-year-old go from regular starter to out of the squad entirely, his last appearance coming in the 3-2 defeat at Arsenal in early March. The Zimbabwe international has taken to social media to share his thoughts, alongside a video reel of highlights from his time at the club. On Instagram, Zemura posted: “Season officially over, first of wanted to say thank you to my family and friends for their support throughout it all, in a season that I will never forget playing in the biggest league in the world! “Something that I will forever cherish and hold tight to me. Secondly, after all that has been said throughout the course of the last three months I wanted to make it known I am forever grateful to AFC Bournemouth for allowing me to showcase myself and trusting me! “Thank you to the staff all across the club they showed me love and care. To the fans thank you for singing my name to the roof tops, and for the love from day one. “Something so special and will never be forgotten, no matter what was said I came as 19-year-old boy and I’ve grown with every step, for that I am forever thankful! “Wish nothing but the best for the club and my teammates who have helped me since I first stepped into the dressing room. “Once a cherry always a cherry. “Excited for the future to continue developing and working harder and achieving everything I set out to achieve in this game, with God’s grace and protection I will! #33” Zemura, who joined the club from Charlton Athletic in 2019, leaves having scored three goals in 63 appearances for Cherries.
Tino Livramento
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Tino Livramento wants to repay Southampton supporters and staff after return from injury #SAINTSFC

May 24, 2023
The 20 year old made his long-awaited return from an ACL injury and subsequent setbacks 392 days later during Sunday’s defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion. Saints were already down 3-1 at the time he replaced James Bree, with the club’s relegation also confirmed the weekend before. Livramento was one of Southampton’s top performers in his debut season at Premier League level last season and could be a star in the Championship. But the focus for the former Chelsea man is to keep fit and try to repay the club’s staff for the effort they have put in to reach this point. “Everyone will look at it from the outside and think returning was another mental block but for me, it’s just about coming back and playing football,” he told club media. “No matter where I’m going to be, if the manager wants me to come in and play then I’m going to come in and play. It just happened to be Brighton, the first game back that I’m available for. I’m happy that I’m back and hopefully, my fitness continues. “It’s been very difficult. I’ve had a few setbacks with the main injury I had. It’s not nice but when you’ve got a strong team and great physios, I can’t speak highly enough of them.” Livramento added: “Without them, I wouldn’t be anywhere near where I am now. I’m happy that I can now repay them by showing their hard work has paid off. I’m a footballer again! “I’m as confident as I can be. I haven’t played a lot but I think you saw when I came on I had a few actions where I was mostly defending. "It’s always nice to show you can do that stuff first before doing stuff on the ball. Hopefully, I can show the fans what I have been doing before and more. So I’m looking forward to it.”
Illia Zabaryni
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Illia Zabaryni speaks after Manchester United loss #AFCB

May 23, 2023
Ukrainian international Zabarnyi has started both of Cherries’ last two fixtures, back-to-back defeats against Crystal Palace and the Red Devils. Casemiro’s ninth minute scissor kick proved the difference between the two side, with Zabarnyi putting in an assured and astute performance at the back. A January signing from Dynamo Kyiv, injury prevented the centre-back from making his Premier League debut until April, with Zabaryni coming off the bench in the defeat to Brighton. In total, he has made four appearances in red and black, also playing 22 minutes of Cherries’ win at Southampton. Asked what he had made of his first starts for Cherries, Zabarnyi told the Daily Echo: “We played against two good teams, both Crystal Palace, very nice players, and Manchester United with very big quality players and of course, it's very good experience for me. I'm feeling good. “(Manchester United) they attack a lot and they have good players, quality and fast players, very good dribbling and of course for a defender it's best practice. “When you defend against best players in the league, you improve. “It's a little unlucky. It's a good performance. “We were good, strong play. “Now, it's very hard because we play against a good team and big quality players and I think we do it well, but a little unlucky.” Capped 24 times by Ukraine, Zabarnyi described the quality of the Premier League as “another level” to international football. He continued: “It's another level, I think, because of course, it's so fast. “Everyone can score at every moment. “And if you attack, one second (later), you are defending. “It's really important because you need to be ready every time. It's really hard.” With Cherries safe heading into the final game of the season, Zabarnyi believes the zero-pressure environment will allow him to improve ahead of pre-season and what he believes will be an even tougher campaign next season. “Now it's important to start to play, start to improve, because next season it's harder, I think, and we need to give the best version of us,” he finished. Cherries travel to relegation threatened Everton in their final game of the season on Sunday (kick-off 4.30pm). Zabarnyi is expected to be called up for international duty with Ukraine this summer, for European Championship qualifiers against Malta and Macedonia, as well as a friendly with Germany.
Emi Marcondes
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Emi Marcondes speaks on future with Cherries #AFCB

May 22, 2023
The Dane’s season has been prematurely ended by a foot injury, with the attacking midfielder stating that Cherries had proved helpful in his recovery despite currently being out on loan. Despite making just three appearances for Cherries in 2023/24, Marcondes insists he is not being forced out of Dean Court. Translated from his native Danish, the midfielder told bold.dk: “They are very happy to have me there, and they don't want to get rid of me.  “The new ownership has also expressed this and has entered into something of a multi-club system, and they think that I am a really good ambassador for that.  “It was also why they only wanted to loan me out, because they can see that I have value.  “So we talked about that. “We have talked continuously after various matches.  “They have said that it has looked good as I have scored and been decisive, which was exactly what they wanted. “So I have been in contact with them, and there has been a nice dialogue. “During this period with my injury, they have also shown that they take responsibility for their players on loan, and I like that.” The 28-year-old earnt back-to-back promotions from the Championship with Brentford and Cherries. Released immediately by the Bees despite scoring at Wembley to help them reach the Premier League, Marcondes made his top-flight debut during Cherries’ 9-0 defeat to Liverpool, his only league appearance this term. He continued: “That's why I went to England and Brentford five years ago, because I wanted to play in the Premier League and prove myself in the biggest league in the world. “I want to play against and with the best, and that is still my dream.  “I also dream of other countries, but I like being in Bournemouth.  “My first priority is clearly chasing a breakthrough in the Premier League.  “It's also a good club to be in, so I still want to make it through the club.” Whilst Marcondes’ preference is to stay and Cherries and try to break into the first team, he admits that he may have to look elsewhere. Entering the final year of his deal at the Vitality, the Danish youth international already has other suitors. “If I can't make the team in Bournemouth, I have to look at other options,” he admitted.  “There are also several people who have already contacted me and inquired about my injury, but I don't think too much about that now.  “I am only focused on getting rid of my injury, and then we have to look at the other things going forward."        
Julio Enciso
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Brighton’s Julio Enciso makes peace with Miguel Almiron after fiesty encounter against Newcastle United #BHAFC

May 19, 2023
The opposing players sorted out their differences and hugged after full-time as the Seagulls went down 4-1 at Newcastle. Merseyside-based referee Robert Jones had earlier found himself in the middle of a Paraguayan disagreement at St James’s Park. Enciso clumsily fouled Almiron during the second half as Albion tried to force an equaliser. Almiron angrily pursued his opponent to make a point. But Enciso was having none of it and rather dismissively pushed Almiron in the chest. Argentina star Alexis Mac Allister looked to intervene and everything was eventually calmed down. Almiron stood out for Newcastle while Enciso also injected some spark for the visitors when he went on as sub. While a minor incident for English viewers, their disagreement made headlines back home. Enciso posted on social media: “Seeing everything that I’m being mentioned in, first off I want to say that the things that happen on the pitch stay on the pitch, I never want to fight with anyone and especially with Miguel. “Those that know me and the way I am know the respect I have for Miguel. “Still, I apologised, we apologised and now we’re fine. Miguel is an idol of mine, I adore him a lot and we both work hard to put our country at the top. “Today he won and I wish him the best. Thank you, brother for all the advice and the chat we had after the game, I learned a lot from you. “I know I didn’t leave a good image but I would never do anything bad. “I’m young and I’m learning everything every day.”
Romeo Lavia
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Southampton’s Romeo Lavia ‘grateful’ for Premier League chance #SAINTSFC

May 19, 2023
The 19 year old Belgian prodigy is among the favourites to win the Southern Daily Echo’s Player of the Season in what has been a disappointing year for the club. Lavia, who is now a full international, has been a standout performer despite relegation from the Premier League being confirmed with two games still to play. The former Anderlecht youngster joined from Manchester City last summer despite being well-liked by Pep Guardiola and Kevin De Bruyne in order to play men’s football for the first time. READ MORE: How Southampton FC's ideal starting XI should look in the Championship He faces an uncertain future with interest from the big six clubs in England, while Man City have a buy-back clause that only activates next summer – that is the club’s best chance of keeping him. Lavia, speaking to club media for the most recent matchday programme, said: “First of all, I’m really, really grateful that Southampton gave me the chance to have my first step in professional football. “Looking back, I’m really happy to have made this step here. I’ve enjoyed it so far. I’ve learned so much about the club, and honestly, I feel like part of a family. “I know most of the people around the building, and you just want to give back to them for everything they do for you during the week, and the whole year really, so that gives me the motivation to give my all for the rest of the season.” Lavia spoke to the Daily Echo in his first month at St Mary’s and gave good insight into the mentality that has taken him this far. “I don’t feel the pressure, if there is any pressure I think it is always positive as it means people expect something from you. It’s always a positive,” he told us. “It wasn’t a hard decision (to leave Manchester City for Saints), not really, because I felt ready to make the next step and to get experience in men’s football. I feel like it was the right moment. “I think just by training with the first-team at Man City, I was speaking to a lot of the first-team players and had a good connection with them. They were telling me that I was ready to play and it was up to me to move up.”
Jefferson Lerma
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Jefferson Lerma talks about his future with Cherries #AFCB

May 17, 2023
A fan favourite since arriving from Spanish side Levante in 2018 for a club-record £25million, Lerma has entered the final months of his contract at Vitality Stadium. Capped 33 times by Colombia, the 28-year-old has a host of suitors, both in Spain and in the Premier League. London clubs Crystal Palace, West Ham and Fulham are rumoured to be interested, with clubs in Europe unable to match the financial pull of top-flight clubs in England. Sources close to the player had told the Daily Echo that he was undecided over a move away due to his strong affection for the club and the Cherries faithful. Reports had suggested that the Colombian international had rejected multiple contract offers from Cherries, only for Lerma himself to insist that this was not the case. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Echo in his native Spanish, Lerma shared: “Everything is possible. I have never rejected an offer from the club. “We have always been in dialogue and waited to make the best decision for both of us. “I am very grateful to count on the people here, but now it is time to reach an agreement that works out best for both from any point of view. “For me, if there was a breakdown in talks with the club it would be in the news. “We are waiting and taking the best decision for both of us.” Now mathematically safe from relegation, Cherries had an uncharacteristically bad day at the office last time out, failing to register a shot on target as they were defeated 2-0 at Crystal Palace. “It was quite a rare game from us,” Lerma explained. “I think that we couldn’t really settle. But we have to raise our heads and think of what’s to come. “Sadly, it was an out-of-character game (for us) and a good game for them. “But every week we have an opportunity to lift ourselves up.” The major talking point stemming from the encounter from a Cherries perspective was a first-half incident involving Lerma. Crystal Palace defender Joachim Andersen struck Lerma in the face with a clenched fist at a corner, there being enough force to break the former Levante man’s nose. However, despite a VAR check, Andersen received no punishment. Asked if he had broken his nose, Lerma replied: “Yes -  you can see it a little. “Supposedly (the referees) didn’t see anything wrong. We have to forget it and we recover.” With two games left in their season, Cherries have already achieved their pre-season objective of survival. Asked for his thoughts on the season as a whole, Lerma responded: “Yes, that also has to be seen as a positive. “I think that everything cannot be rosy. We have to not crash after a loss, but recover – the desire is to return to victory. “Like I said before, it’s football and every week you have an opportunity to prove yourself.”
Neto
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s Neto on defeat to Crystal Palace #AFCB

May 16, 2023
Two finely taken goals from Eberechi Eze proved the difference, with Neto powerless prevent either effort in the eventual 2-0 defeat at Selhurst Park. It was the first time since March Cherries have lost back-to-back games, with the Brazilian admitting his side were second best. He shared: “We’re frustrated by the result. We wanted to win this game, it was very important for us but I think we didn’t deserve it.“By our interpretation, it wasn’t our right to win the game and we have to keep going. That’s football and we have to move on.” Whilst Everton’s subsequent defeat to champions elect Manchester City on Sunday confirmed Cherries’ place in next season's Premier League, Neto believes his team will give it their all in the final fixtures with Manchester United and the Toffees. “I think 40 points is the number for everybody at the beginning of the season and when the games happen, maybe you don’t need the 40 points,” he continued. “Our goal and objective is 40 points and we have two difficult games in the next weeks and we have to mentalise the right way to keep going and go win those games.”
Che Adams
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Che Adams hints at Southampton stay after relegation is confirmed for the club #SAINTSFC

May 15, 2023
The 26 year old Scotsman has been battling injury since the March international break and has been unable to fully assist the team in their battle. Adams, who has scored five goals in the Premier League and five in cup competitions this season, missed the 2-0 defeat to Fulham after a late fitness test. After scoring in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in March, Adams has only played 130 minutes since – starting just once. READ MORE: How Southampton's excitement unwrapped to become relegation disaster Posting his statement on Twitter, Adams said: “Dear Saints, now I've processed everything, I wanted to express just how gutted I am.  pic.twitter.com/9OxWA6GDOn — Ché Adams (@CheAdams_) May 14, 2023 “This season has been the most challenging of my career and I think the same goes for everyone involved in Southampton Football Club. “We have failed and definitely fallen short of everybody's expectations and for that, I can't express how disappointed and also sorry I am.” He added: “I have given my everything for this club since I first walked through Staplewood on 1st July 2019 and St Mary's, but this year wasn't enough. “Myself and everyone at the club will learn from the mistakes we've made this season. “The last few weeks have been especially gutting not being able to help the team, as I've been struggling with an injury. Anyone that knows me, knows I don't give up or quit easily. “I've tried my hardest and pushed through the past few games as I wanted to give my everything, but it's not got better and it wouldn't be fair on the team or the fans if I'm not at 100%. “Just want to say a massive thank you to all the fans that support us each week, we'll bring the club back to where it belongs for you.”
Lloyd Kelly
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth defender Lloyd Kelly on loss to Crystal Palace #AFCB

May 15, 2023
Kelly and co. went into their contest at Selhurst Park requiring one more point to make their Premier League survival a mathematical certainty. Whilst they did not find the required point, losing 2-0 to Palace, their place in next season’s Premier League was confirmed by Everton’s 3-0 defeat to Manchester City on Sunday afternoon. Asked how he felt about the suggestion of his side losing motivation following all but securing survival, Kelly told BBC Radio Solent: “Of course they can throw accusations at us. It's football, and you're going to get that. “But I think at the end of the day - although you could say we're safe now - every game we go into from now until the end of the season, the two left that we have, we have to put in a performance.” It was the second time Cherries were defeated 2-0 by the Eagles this season, with Gary O’Neil’s charges failing to impress in either game. Kelly mused: “I think coming away from that game is a difficult one, really. “Of course, we set out to come here and get a point, or even three, just put in a good performance and see where that got us. “So coming away from the game with nothing and conceding two goals, which I think in the overall scheme of things, we could have avoided. It’s difficult. “I think it's a difficult one to explain, really. “Of course, you can talk about the tactics and what we can do with the ball and things like that, but I think at the end of the day, it just comes down to if you're willing to run. “And I think we were second best in that today. “They’ve got quality going forward. Coming into the game, everyone knew of that. “We've seen it throughout the season from them. “Their attacking players can create things out of nothing, and we needed to be at our best to avoid conceding those goals. “And I think that's where we slipped up a little bit.”  
James Ward Prowse
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- James Ward-Prowse admits Southampton standards ‘have slipped’ causing relegation #SAINTSFC

May 14, 2023
The St Mary’s side have been condemned to Championship football after a 2-0 defeat to Fulham on Saturday. There are two games remaining of the Premier League campaign but Saints cannot catch up, with eight points separating themselves and safety. READ MORE: 'I take all the responsibility for the last three months' - Selles READ MORE: Live updates as Saints are relegated Ward-Prowse, who has made 407 appearances for the club, addressed the media following the match. He said: "Disappointing. It has been coming. We knew we were in a difficult position. "We need to go away individually and as a club and assess if we've done everything we possibly could. I don't think we have and that is a shame. "I think as a team and a club overall we'll think about the season that has gone by. Have decisions been right? Have we done everything we could on a pitch?" He added: "I think we should perform at a better level than we have done. From the first day of the season until now you can tell the standards have slipped. "I have been here right through from eight years old, for all the ups and downs. I'm sure with the good people at the club it will be back in the Premier League in no time. "Over the last 10 years, we have had that kind of consistency and that has wavered. It will be testing for everybody but these are the times that make you as a player and as a club, we have done it before and we will do it again." Asked again about his future, he responded: "I'm not thinking too far ahead. We've just been relegated from the Premier League. "I'm not looking beyond tomorrow. It's about sticking together and dealing with it in the right way."
Nathan Tella
Posted in2022-2023-Season Daily News

#PLStories- Nathan Tella ‘looking forward’ to Southampton return amid uncertain future #SAINTSFC

May 13, 2023
The 24 year old scored 17 Championship goals and became a fan favourite in the process as the Clarets secured promotion back to the Premier League as title-winners. Saints academy graduate Tella, who signed from Arsenal as a teenager, now faces the prospect of returning to the second division with the soon-to-be-relegated St Mary’s side. Burnley retain an interest in the forward while he is enjoying his new life, living in the north of England. Any deal struck would, however, require a sizeable fee. He has been asked about his future and could not give a definitive answer, telling BBC Radio Lancashire: “I haven’t really thought about it, I know I’m contracted to Southampton so I’m looking forward to going back there and doing pre-season. “I’m looking forward to seeing my family and friends and going on holiday with them, that’s it. It’s a very good question but one I don’t have the answer to right now.” Asked about his time at Burnley, Tella added: “Individually and as a team this season has exceeded everyone’s expectations. “When you get relegated you want to go straight back up into the Premier League. The fact we were able to do that first time and play the way we did has been an amazing feeling. “It’s a bit of a 50/50, I wanted to score goals and I’ve not been prolific growing up. Playing in a team like this they can find me and I can find them so we have scored so many goals this season, I’m happy to score but more importantly, I’ve got the winners medal.”