Eddie Howe believes steering Bournemouth out of their troubling run will be a test of ‘true leadership’ and insists he will not change his playing principles.
Bournemouth’s 2-1 loss to West Bromwich Albion was a fifth defeat in six Premier League games and heightened the prospect of a relegation battle.
Marc Pugh admitted players are looking over the shoulders at teams picking up points below and Howe must remedy a porous defence that has conceded at 20 goals in seven matches.
Howe said: ‘Leadership is many things and you show true leadership when you are having a bad time and people are doubting you and what you do.