Eddie Howe hits back at Graeme Souness criticism ahead of Chelsea League Cup clash

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Jack Rosser @JackRosser_20 December 2017

Eddie Howe has hit back at criticism from Bournemouth season-ticket holder and Sky Sports pundit, Graeme Souness.

The former Liverpool man, who lives in Sandbanks on the south coast, is a self-confessed Cherries fan but accused Howe of being ‘naïve’ in his approach against the top six while working on Sky Sports as his former club beat his now local side 4-0.

The south coast side have won just three of their clashes against the so-called top six since their promotion from the Championship in 2015.

Howe has stayed true to his attacking style of play in their two and-a-half seasons in the Premier League, and says he’s not going to change due to Souness comments.

"I've always done it my way and that's what I will continue to do," Howe told reporters.

"I respect everyone's opinion and I've got no problem with Graeme airing his views.

"For me, that opinion makes no difference. It's down to me, my coaching team and the players to prove those comments wrong.

"I've always done it my way and that's what I will continue to do. You have to be true to your beliefs, you can never have any doubts or be swayed by anyone else's comments or opinions.

"If you are, where do you go from there? Do you wait for the next comment or opinion before you change again?

Naive? Bournemouth 'fan' Souness claimed Howe was naive against top sides.
Liverpool FC via Getty Images

"It has to be what we think is best from inside our camp, knowing what our strengths are and trying to get the best out of the players."

The Cherries take on Chelsea in the League Cup quarter-final at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night. One of those three victories against top six sides came in west London, when Glenn Murray scored a late goal in a 1-0 win.

Having been knocked out in the third round last season, at the hands of Preston, Howe is looking for another memorable trip to the Bridge.

He added: "We have the chance to get to the semi-final of a cup competition and it is a real opportunity for us to create a memorable occasion.

"We will do everything we can to make that happen. It isn't an easy draw but we have won there before and we have to believe we can do it again."

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