Rose: Bournemouth must respond in Europa League after 'real slap' from Chelsea

Marco Rose urged his Bournemouth players to show a reaction to their humbling 5-1 defeat to Chelsea as they prepare for their first European home game on Thursday. 

Bournemouth were thumped at Stamford Bridge last weekend to extend their winless run in the Premier League to six matches, leaving them down in 18th in the standings. 

The result saw the Cherries lose consecutive Premier League games for the first time since December 2025 and are winless in their last eight (D5 L3) in the competition.

It was also the first time Bournemouth had shipped 5+ goals in a top-flight match since November 2023, when they were beaten 6-1 by Manchester City. 

But all eyes are on the Vitality Stadium as Rose's side welcome Sturm Graz to the south coast, with the Cherries aiming to build on their 2-1 win at Real Sociedad last time out.

Rose described Bournemouth's defeat to Chelsea as a "real slap", and he is hoping that his team can produce a response in an attempt to get their season back on track.

"We want and have to show a reaction. The only good thing out of this game is we got a real slap result-wise," Rose told reporters. 

"If you start a game like we started, the task gets much more difficult. I felt after the game everyone was really disappointed.

"We got a real slap, and now we have to show a reaction."

It will be a historic match for Bournemouth, who will play a European match in front of their home supporters for the very first time. 

Bournemouth are also looking to become the first English team to win their first two matches in major European competition since Bolton Wanderers in the 2005-06 UEFA Cup.

"I understand it very well because I know the club and its history much better now," Rose added on the occasion that awaits his players. 

"It is an outstanding journey the club have had the last few years with all the things the club suffered. Now we are playing Europe and we have to find the balance.

"We want to compete everywhere, that is still the plan. Tomorrow we have the chance to show our club for the first time at home in European football. It is a big thing."

Rose was also asked about the future of midfielder Alex Scott, who remains out with an injury he sustained during the international break with England. 

It has been reported that Scott, who joined Bournemouth from Bristol City in 2023, could be allowed to leave the club in the January transfer window for £100m. 

Bournemouth are said to be open to selling the highly-rated 23-year-old should their valuation be met, though Rose was more focused on getting Scott back fit and playing again. 

"We just closed the other transfer window, and we talked about the next one," Rose said. 

"Me and the club are just focused on the game tomorrow and not commenting on rumours that show up right after the other window closes.

"We are looking to have him back in a couple of days or weeks, and we will continue with Alex Scott. He is quite committed – that is what everyone can see in the first games."