SCOTT Parker believes the Cherries faithful will have a big part to play in their bid for survival this season – by helping turn the Vitality Stadium into an “uncomfortable” place for visiting teams.
However, Cherries’ head coach knows that his team will need to provide the spark on the pitch to generate the required atmosphere in the stands.
There was an electric atmosphere at the Vitality Stadium on the opening day of the season, exacerbated when Jefferson Lerma opened scores inside the first two minutes.
When asked what role fans at Cherries’ home games had to play, Parker replied: “Massive part, massive part to play.
“Tight stadium and they've got a big part to play.
“We need to make this place uncomfortable this year for teams to come to, we need to generate that – it’s down to us, down to my players to do that, they need to get the energy and give the energy to the stadium.
“They need to give the energy to the crowd.
“How we do that is with the way we play and how forceful we are, how we can dominate in certain moments and be progressive in certain moments, can bring that energy and then we can react from that as well.
“An early goal last time gave everyone a lift. First game in the Premier League after two years of not being in it, it was a massive lift. And it gave everyone a big lift in a stadium, really. So we need to continue that.”
Parker also detailed how his side can make it difficult for bigger teams, stressing that whilst Cherries would be respectful of opponents, as soon as both teams crossed the white lines, they would try and leave their mark on games.
Speaking on how his side would look to play against more fancied sides at the Vitality Stadium, Parker started: “There's loads of elements to that.
“Try and put our stamp on it, try and work out where we can exploit their weaknesses - which they will have - and also home stadium, the fans.
“In terms of what we need to bring to the game, there are loads of facets why we need to step here.
“While of course we respect everyone that steps on the field when we play, there needs to be an element of these are just names and we need to put our stamp on this game and we need to bring our personality to this game.
“That's the most important thing that we need as well as the tactical element, all facets, out of possession, in possession.
“We need to bring personality to this game on Saturday.”
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