Nuno: The task of the referee is very difficult

Nuno Espirito Santo was pleased with the first half performance of his players in what was a hard earned draw against Bournemouth.

Raul Jimenez’s second half penalty cancelled out Josh King’s spot kick which put the home side in to the half-time break with the advantage.

Although penalty decisions for both sides were the talk of the match, Nuno refused to get drawn in to a debate, insisting referees have a difficult job.

On draw with Bournemouth

“I wouldn’t say it was bizarre; bizarre was too strong, I would say an emotional game, both teams were competitive, but both sets of players gave everything to try to win the game.

“Even though I think we played well in the first half and created chances, Bournemouth is a very good team, so an emotional game; I wouldn’t say bizarre.

“I think we dig deep and tried to get back into the game in the second half. In some moments we lost a bit of organisation and balance, and Bournemouth, the speed that they have, the quality they have, they caused us trouble.

“But I think the players that came in for us gave us some energy, they changed the game. It could have been that both teams won, but the draw says that it was a very competitive game and it was a nice spectacle.”

On an end-to-end match

“That’s the idea of football, I think both Bournemouth and us went for the game, there were chances and I think all the players were really committed in playing the game.

“The last ten minutes of the game was up and down, up and down, this shows the character that both teams had. We are never happy with a draw, we want to win the game, but sometimes it balances out – this is football.

“Looking at the game by performance, I think in the first half we had a good performance, we played really good, beautiful combinations and created some good football, against a very tough team.

“Until the penalty was given to Bournemouth, we were in the game. After that we lost a little bit of composure and allowed Bournemouth to control the game, so this is one particular aspect which we need to improve.

“We know the Vitality Stadium is not one of the easiest to come to and Eddie is doing a fantastic job, so I’m happy with the performance of the boys in such a difficult space.”

On penalty decisions

“I haven’t seen the images yet, so I will not judge, knowing the task of the referee is very difficult.

“Sometimes in these kinds of games, knowing how hard it is for the referees, it gives emotion. As long as it’s fair, nobody can complain and really appreciate such a difficult job that the referees have.

“I’m always for the referees.

“You cannot always trust the reactions of the players, sometimes they cheat the referees and it’s not fair, but I must see the images and I won’t speak about the referee.”

On Lerma’s foul on Moutinho

“I didn’t see what happened. All I know is that Joao was really bleeding and is in pain. He was not happy and a short man angry is tough.”

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