Marco Rose said it was a “privilege” to lead Bournemouth to victory in their first-ever home match in Europe after beating Sturm Graz 3-0 at the Vitality Stadium.
It maintained the team’s perfect start to their Europa League campaign on an emotional night on the south coast, as goals from Evanilson, Rayan and a penalty from Álvaro Rodríguez dispatched the Austrian side.
The club’s American owner, Bill Foley, was in attendance for the occasion having flown in from the U.S., and was witness to a memorable celebration of the Cherries’ progress before kickoff, supporters in the North Stand unveiling a giant tifo bearing the words “Minus 17 to European dreams” in reference to their points deduction in League Two 18 years ago.
“It’s big win, a nice win,” Rose said. “I’m really proud and happy. It’s a privilege to be part of this. It’s a special evening.
“I’ve heard fans have travelled from America for the first home game. Even Bill is here. It’s important. We should use this performance, the clean sheet and the three goals to get confidence in our performances and results.”
Bournemouth are currently winless in the Premier League under Rose and were beaten 5-1 away at Chelsea at the weekend.
Europe though has provided their respite. They sit fifth in the Europa League table with two victories having beaten Real Sociedad 2-1 in their opening game before easing to a deserved win over Graz.
“It’s the perfect start, a clean sheet and performance wise,” Rose said. “The effort, attitude of the lads, the response we were asking for after Saturday’s game.”
The win came after Rose made five changes to his side following the defeat at Stamford Bridge, with an eye on Sunday’s game at home to Sunderland.
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The alterations seemed to slow the team down in the first half before Evanilson’s excellent header lifted the performance and set up the win.
“I did it because I was confident and I believe in the lads,” Rose added. “We have many players in good shape, we’ve had good weeks of training. It shows me we are competitive. We have competition in our team. That’s what we need.
“We did well. Sturm are normally a high-pressing team. We didn’t give them anything in the first half. To have a clean sheet for me was very important.”
Graz boss Fabio Ingolitsch reflected that his side were always facing an uphill struggle against the Premier League club.
“I’m not surprised,” he said. “We know that they’re a team with the biggest marketability of the whole Europa League. They’re playing in the best league in the world.
“They have deserved more [points this season] in the Premier League.”
