Sky Sports speak with Eddie Howe on transfers, Tonali and two injuries - Watch here
Following our 3-2 victory at Gateshead, Eddie Howe offered an update on Sandro Tonali, doubled down the need for new signings and offered an update on the injury front.
In our 3-2 comeback against the Heed the head coach claimed that ‘everyone who was fit played’ and that they are hoping to have the likes of Murphy and Lascelles who are nursing injuries back very quickly.
Tonali did not feature in the game but the Italian was pictured watching over the team, with Howe revealing he’s ‘doing really well’ and that his English is improving.
The boss appeared slightly frustrated with the lack of movement this window after admitting that we are still in the ‘talking and negotiating.' He clearly knows that the current squad is too thin to fight on four fronts and stressed we "need more."
Howe also acknowledged that we ‘need to improve the squad’ and was keen to enforce that the time will come when we ‘have to move things forward quicker’, also opening to door to outgoings Here’s what Howe had to say on all of the above:
Howe on Sandro Tonali:
“He’s doing really well. His English has improved and I can have a conversation with him which is a brilliant sign of his progress.
“It’ll take for him to get to know the lads and how we play but hopefully he’ll have learned a bit from today and he’s been welcomed to English football.”
Howe then had to say on transfers:
“Nothing is close, we are working on that & we need new additions — we don’t have a huge budget to work with”
“We’re prepared to be patient & get the right players. But we’re also aware we need to improve the squad — so there will come a time that we have to move things forward quicker. I’m very aware we do need more.
“The squad needs to be robust enough to deal with the challenges that we face this season. We’re not currently close (to further signings). We are in the process of talking & negotiating — but Sandro’s transfer demonstrates how long it can take to get over the line.”
On injuries, Howe added:
“Everyone who was fit today played, as you always get with pre-season there’s a couple of little niggles.
“Murphy has a shoulder problem, Lascelles had a tight muscle. We expect those players to be back very quickly. But yeah everyone who is available was here today.”
