Ex-Liverpool Starlet Ibe Targets Return to Form After Underwhelming Debut Campaign at Bournemouth

AFC Bournemouth winger Jordon Ibe is keen to regain form next season, after a £15m move from Liverpool last summer. 

The former England Under-21 international hopes to improve on last season where he failed to score in 22 appearances on the south coast. However, the youngster has had a promising pre-season for the Cherries, impressing against Italian giants Napoli in a stalemate at the Vitality stadium.

As quoted by the Sun, Ibe admitted he needs to do better in 2017/18, as the opening weekend approaches.

"Last season I was poor and didn’t even get a goal. It’s time for me to buck up my ideas because I want to help the team and get some goals," he said.

"I know Eddie Howe put a lot of trust in bringing me here for that price tag. I have a lot to prove to this club and, hopefully, I can be ten times better than last season."

Ibe also addressed his fee - at the time a club record for Bournemouth - but insisted he did not feel the pressure.

"I have not been affected by it at all. The price just came with it. I just want to play football. I’m still young and have lots to learn," he added.

"I don’t know why it’s happened. I don’t know if it’s my age, maybe my head wasn’t in the right place. I don’t really have an answer for that. I just know it wasn’t as good as it should have been.

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"The senior players here and the rest of the team are helping me, especially the coaching staff. I’m just trying to build as a footballer and get back to where I think me and the team can be.

"We will have to wait and see if I’ve improved when the season starts. I have had a better pre-season and hopefully I can help the team get into the Europa League.

"I’m hoping the fans will see the real Jordon Ibe this season. I’ve got a lot to prove."