Eddie Howe has spoken to Allan Saint-Maximin about his interview with the French media but insists he will not fine the player.
The former Nice winger indicated that he would have "15-20 assists" per season if there was a striker who could convert efficiently in the box. But Howe believes the remarks were taken "out of context" and that Saint-Maximin did not mean to offend.
A clear-up process was quickly put in place at the training ground as Howe spoke individually to Saint-Maximin to get an understanding about the interview while he will also discuss any potential "fall out" with team-mates, including strikers Callum Wilson. Chris Wood and Dwight Gayle, who may have been irked by the comments.
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Howe said: "In no way did he mean to damage the team and the unity we’ve built - it wasn't in the context that he meant.
"Ideally I would not want any of my players speaking about anything other than themselves and their own careers. "I don’t think players need to talk about other players or players from other clubs.
"It is all about our club. It is about protecting the team and everything we do: giving off united and positive messages even in difficult moments, and that can be tough. "But that is my ideal and what I want my team to do. I have no concerns over his mood.
"I don’t think I will be fining him about that situation, it is more a case of education and making sure players know what we expect of them."
When asked if he would look to fine Saint-Maximin for the interview with So Foot, he said that the process will include "educating" the winger on media interviews.
Howe said: "Allan was concerned yesterday. It wasn’t in the context that he meant. We will be speaking with the squad and making sure there are no fallout. "
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