Begovic told it’s all in mind
EDDIE HOWE has told a disgruntled Asmir Begovic his Bournemouth future is in his own hands, before revealing he has taken up meditation.
Howe held showdown talks with Begovic after the Premier League winner with Chelsea demanded to know why he had been replaced in goal by the veteran Artur Boruc, who is 39 this month.
Speaking ahead of today’s match at Liverpool, Howe said: “The future will be dictated by Asmir, not me.
“I signed the player, I like the player and have got a lot of respect for Asmir.
“What has happened will be a normal occurrence at every Premier League club. I hold lots of discussions with the players who aren’t playing.
“There has been no bust-up, no dispute, just a chat and a talk and I’m very happy with where Asmir is at.
“He has trained excellently and that is the most important thing.”
Howe added: “I try to have daily contact with all my players, that’s very important. I try to offer feedback on how they are performing, where I’m at with their game and try to help them on to the next stage. If you don’t get that disappointment from not playing I would question that as well. But you can’t have everything.
“You want to see a drive from the players and a determination to get into the team, but you also want them to act as a team player and Asmir has done that. Artur supported Asmir and now Asmir is supporting Artur.” Ironically, given his heated discussions with Begovic, Howe says he meditates for 10 minutes every morning to help keep a clear head.
“The mental side is huge and whether you meditate or take yourself away to calm your mind before playing, it’s very important,” he said.
“It’s something we encourage the players to do. We have various people who come in to talk to us, various experts in different fields.
“To try to find the ability and capacity in your mind to push yourself further and work smarter, how are you going to do that? Meditation is one way.
“I use an app and recommend it highly. They are 10-minute little exercises and something that I do every morning. It has
helped me.”