Justin Kluivert is aiming for a deep run in cup competitions this campaign and is confident the south coast club can make an impact in European competition.
The south coast outfit will compete in continental football for the first time this term and head into the new season with high spirits and self-belief under incoming head coach Marco Rose.
Several squad members have expressed belief that they can hold their own in the Europa League alongside their desire to progress far in cup tournaments, a view shared by the Dutch international. According to statements made to the local newspaper, he believes they are playing in Europe so they can definitely achieve something significant. He considers that in European competition, without question, they have what is required. In the Premier League, they understand the demands of that league and possess players who have already experienced it. The squad has been kept intact and has the drive, the hunger to win matches in the top flight, having demonstrated that already and set to do so again, certainly.
Ryan Christie had earlier stated during the summer that the sole element absent from Andoni Iraola’s tenure at the club was an extended cup run, and that he and the group were driven to provide that under Rose’s opening season.
Kluivert concurred entirely, acknowledging that the previous manager also harboured ambitions of a cup run that ultimately went unfulfilled. He pointed out that opportunities now exist in both cup competitions and the Europa League that can genuinely be realised, with the squad prepared to commit fully. He emphasised that collective effort would be essential given the challenging schedule ahead, expressing genuine enthusiasm for the challenge ahead.
Kluivert finished as the club’s leading marksman the previous season with 12 goals across all tournaments, though the campaign before saw reduced output both in terms of goals scored and match appearances after his year was hampered by injury concerns.
When questioned about personal objectives or whether the priority was simply maximising game time, Kluivert indicated he does establish individual targets but prefers to keep them private. He stressed his inherent ambition, suggesting those targets operate at an exceptionally demanding level.