Marco Rose: Bournemouth ‘Will Not Underestimate’ AC Milan in Historic Europa League Clash

FolioPitch.com – 21 October 2026 | Bournemouth head coach Marco Rose has declared that his side will show AC Milan the utmost respect but remain fully confident of securing a famous victory when the two clubs meet in the Europa League on Tuesday night. Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Rose insists Bournemouth will not underestimate Milan but are confident they can win, setting the tone for what promises to be a landmark occasion at the Vitality Stadium.

The Cherries are enjoying a dream 2025-26 campaign, having qualified for European competition for the first time in their 126-year history. They have won both of their Europa League group games so far, against Real Sociedad and Sturm Graz, and now face their biggest test yet against the seven-time European champions. Rose, who took over from Andoni Iraola after the Basque coach departed for Liverpool in the summer, is relishing the challenge.

A Dream Come True

“It’s a huge game,” Rose said. “A huge club of Europe is coming here, but we feel prepared. We love to play this kind of game and now we’re going to go for it tomorrow.” The German coach, who has managed Red Bull Salzburg, Borussia Mönchengladbach, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig, is experiencing his first taste of English football. He acknowledged the magnitude of the occasion, noting that some consider it the biggest game in the club’s history. “This means more than anything because of the occasion, the magnitude, the fact it’s Europe, the fact it’s AC Milan and their history, and the fact that there’s a connection between the two clubs that goes back to the ’70s,” he added.

Rose also reflected on his personal history with Italian football, revealing he has faced Inter Milan twice but never AC Milan. “I love Luka Modrić as a player, as a person. I admire him. I have a deep respect for his career and looking forward to meeting him tomorrow again,” he said, referencing the veteran midfielder who joined Milan in the summer.

Tactical Focus on Milan

When asked about the similarities between facing Milan under Rúben Amorim and Manchester United last season, Rose was quick to emphasise that his side are preparing specifically for the Rossoneri. “He has his approach, but even this approach is quite flexible. You can see it. He changed things from game to game,” Rose noted. “But we prepare for AC Milan and not for what we saw in the past.” The Bournemouth boss expects a tough encounter against a side he rates highly. “The quality of the opponent is really, really good, really tough to play in everything, out and in possession. So it’s going to be a tough game,” he said.

Despite the respect for Milan, Rose insists Bournemouth will not underestimate Milan but are confident they can win. He stressed that his team will stick to their principles. “We want to play our intensity. We want to play forward, we want to be front-footed. Nothing changed. So it can be quite interesting,” he explained. The coach dismissed any suggestion that his players might be overawed by the occasion, stating: “I’m not worried about our focus. I’m not worried about our confidence. So we will not underestimate the opponent, that’s for sure. But we know that we can compete if we bring our style of football on the pitch, if you are confident, and that’s what we are. We just go for it, and mostly you enjoy games if you win them.”

Building on a Strong Start

Bournemouth’s perfect start to their Europa League campaign has given them belief, but Rose is wary of complacency. He pointed out that every game presents its own challenges, citing the away trip to Real Sociedad as a tough test. “Sometimes the smaller games are much, much more difficult to play. So every game, every opponent is interesting, and tomorrow’s AC Milan is what we are focused on,” he said.

The Cherries will be hoping to extend their winning run and make another statement on the European stage. With Rose at the helm, they have shown they are not merely participants but serious competitors. As the German reiterated, Rose insists Bournemouth will not underestimate Milan but are confident they can win, a message that will resonate with fans and players alike.

Conclusion

As Bournemouth prepare to host AC Milan in what is arguably the most significant match in their history, Marco Rose has struck a perfect balance between respect and self-belief. The Cherries have already proven they belong among Europe’s elite with two impressive victories, and they will need to draw on that confidence against a Milan side rich in tradition and quality. With Rose insisting Bournemouth will not underestimate Milan but are confident they can win, the stage is set for a memorable night on the south coast. Whatever the outcome, this fixture marks a new chapter for Bournemouth, and under Rose’s guidance, they appear ready to embrace it.