Justin Kluivert has declared that Bournemouth are ready to compete against any opponent after the Cherries delivered a statement 3-0 victory over AC Milan at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth produced a memorable performance against the Italian giants, with Kluivert opening the scoring from the penalty spot before Marcus Tavernier and Amine Adli completed the emphatic win.
The result extended Marco Rose’s side’s perfect start to the UEFA Europa League campaign, making it three victories from three matches without conceding a goal.
For Kluivert, the result was further evidence that Bournemouth’s growing confidence is built on belief in their own quality rather than fear of the opposition.
“I think it means a lot,” he said. “We come from two victories, so that gives us a good feeling for this game.
“What we say is we just trust in ourselves. It doesn’t matter who we play against, we trust in ourselves. We know what we’re capable of, and I think we showed that tonight again.”
AC Milan’s task became more difficult midway through the first half when goalkeeper Mike Maignan received a straight red card, leaving the visitors with 10 men for the remainder of the contest.
Although the dismissal influenced the game, Bournemouth still had to take advantage of the situation and deliver a performance worthy of the occasion. Kluivert also acknowledged the stature of the club they had beaten, describing the victory as a significant moment for the Cherries.
“AC Milan have a lot of history, it’s a great club, a big club,” he said.
“What I’ve heard, which I didn’t know before, is that we have comparisons. The colours that we have, the red and black, come from AC Milan, so it’s nice for those things. It was a big game tonight and we won it.”
Bournemouth’s defensive record has been another major highlight of their European campaign. Three consecutive wins without conceding have given Rose’s team a strong platform, and Kluivert is determined to ensure the momentum does not disappear.
“We know the run that we have now, three wins, no goals conceded,” he said. “It’s something that I’m proud of. We need to continue, and we know how we can continue, we have done it before.”
The forward also believes Bournemouth could become even more dangerous as injured players return to action. A stronger squad would increase competition for starting places while giving the manager more options across a demanding schedule.
“We have a nearly fit squad now, and other guys are coming back,” he said. “Competition makes us better.
“The thing I love about our team is the intensity that we have. It doesn’t matter who is in the starting 11, our intensity shows who we are and what we stand for. It doesn’t matter who plays, we always go full gas.”
Kluivert also offered an insight into the team spirit behind Bournemouth’s performance, revealing why he was happy to let Tavernier take the side’s second penalty of the evening.
After converting the first spot-kick himself, the Dutchman stepped aside to give his teammate the opportunity to score before half-time. For Kluivert, sharing responsibility reflects the collective mentality Bournemouth are building.
“I’ve got to be generous, I’ve got to give my teammates a good feeling,” he said. “They deserve to score a penalty as well, because I know they can score a penalty too.
“That also shows that we are a team and not individuals.”
Bournemouth’s victory over Milan sends a clear message about their ambitions in Europe. With attacking contributions from several players, a strong defensive record and confidence spreading throughout the squad, the Cherries have made an impressive start.
Kluivert’s challenge now is to help maintain that intensity. Bournemouth have shown they can compete against established European opposition, but sustaining their form will be crucial as the Europa League campaign progresses.
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