Friday 15 September 2017 08:36, UK
Eddie Howe has challenged his Bournemouth players to recover their footballing identity when they meet Brighton on Friday, live on Sky Sports Premier League from 7pm.
The Cherries are pointless after their opening four fixtures of the Premier League campaign - something which is matched only by Crystal Palace, who this week sacked boss Frank de Boer.
However, Howe insists he can handle the "cut-throat" pressure of England's domestic top flight, and backed his players to showcase their attacking flair when they host newly-promoted Brighton.
"My biggest concern is the identity of the team, making sure that's visible to me and everyone else," said Howe.
"That's the thing that's been missing the most, and that's what we're desperate to find again. Historically we've always been very very good with the ball, very confident, and we haven't quite seen that."
Howe, 39, is the second longest-serving Premier League manager which comes in stark contrast with De Boer, who was unseated by Palace after just four matches and 77 days in charge at Selhurst Park.
The former Bournemouth centre defender admitted he was "very disappointed" for De Boer but believes there is little opportunity for sentiment.
"To be honest I haven't given it a minute's thought," said Howe of the Dutchman's sacking. "But I'm very disappointed for Frank, four games isn't time to do anything.
"It's a cut-throat business; I don't know if there's many more cut-throat, short periods where opinions change on you. Two games and everyone can change their opinion on you.
"It's one of the beauties and the dangers of this game. You need a thick skin, be prepared to ride a few storms and come out stronger from those experiences.
"The roller-coaster of experiences I've gone through up to this point thicken you up all the time. If you're sensitive to it you won't last two minutes.
"My playing career, with the injuries and the disappointments of that, it makes you ready for tough times. Anything you achieve is quickly forgotten in football. I've got no problem with that. I'm well aware I have to keep achieving."
