KIDS’ STUFF FOR FRANCIS UNDER STRAIN
full Brazil senior cap is just around the corner.
He added: “Historically the national team has never been concerned with age. Ronaldo was playing for Brazil at 17.
“More recently Neymar and Jesus have played an important role when they were only teenagers.
“If you have the ability and the talent then you will get the chance and the world can see Martinelli has the talent.
“I am sure that his first Brazil cap is very close - he is ready.”
Meanwhile, Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has insisted he is ready to stand by error-prone Shkodran Mustafi despite the Germany defender’s habit of making high-profile howlers.
Arteta wants to strengthen his defence with a move for Flamengo defender
Pablo Mari but Mustafi could still feature at Bournemouth.
Praising the centre-half ’s attitude despite a costly mistake at Chelsea, Arteta said: “I’ve worked with players, I’ve had team-mates like this and there is always a moment where there is a click.
“I can accept a mistake, no problem. What I’m not going to accept is someone who makes a mistake and after he stops playing, he doesn’t want the ball, doesn’t want to make decisions.
“But Musti, after that, he tried to play every time. He went for every challenge, he put his body on the line.
“He was down afterwards, but he reacted and, if he does that, he will overcome the situation. I ask him to play the way we want to play, he made a mistake. On another day it will be someone else.”
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BOURNEMOUTH captain Simon Francis says being a dad helps him escape the pressure cooker of the Cherries’ battle to stay in the Premier League.
After tonight’s visit from Arsenal in the FA Cup, Eddie Howe’s men return to a desperate fight for survival.
They beat Brighton last time out – but that was only their third win in the top flight since October.
But Francis (above) said: “I don’t struggle with the pressure.
“At home, a lot of lads will tell you, especially those that have a family, you can sometimes switch off.
“Don’t get me wrong – if you lose a lot of games it’s always at the back of your mind. But you have to switch off sometimes, otherwise you get dragged down and become negative all of the time.
“I live locally so I get a lot of chat around the town. I’m always reminded how well we are doing, or not doing well.
“From a personal note you have to be able to balance the emotions of coming away from the football club and walking through the door and seeing your kids and still being the family man.
“You can still be disappointed but you can’t take it home with you.
“Just playing with the kids can help take your mind off things.”
Francis, 34, felt the strain (left) when Bournemouth fell to a 1-0 defeat at rockbottom Norwich earlier this month.
But he says the game with the Gunners will be a nice distraction from their woes in the Premier League.
He said: “It’s a great opportunity to go on a Cup run, which is important to us.
“Arsenal are vulnerable. Any team that comes here and tries to play out from the back we have to respect – but try to get at them to give the fans something to cheer and be motivated about.
“A Cup run is really important for the football club.
“But ultimately staying in the Premier League is our main objective this season.”