We have to push disappointments aside – Burnley boss Dyche

Posted Wednesday, December 05, 2018 by PA

Sean Dyche says that Burnley have to quickly push aside recent disappointments as their Premier League schedule continues at pace.

High-flying Liverpool visit Turf Moor on Wednesday, while Tottenham and Arsenal are also on the Clarets’ pre-Christmas agenda, along with Brighton.

Burnley have not won in the league since beating Cardiff two months ago, drawing two games and losing five, while conceding 17 goals and scoring just three.

“Last weekend wasn’t good enough. We know that,” Burnley manager Dyche, reflecting on a 2-0 loss against Crystal Palace, told the club’s official website.

“But then a short number of days before against Newcastle (Burnley lost 2-1), I thought it was a good performance and I thought we deserved more than we got.

“So, there is a balance to the workload and how we are performing.

“I know the players we are working with, and I know the honesty and the endeavour and I know some of the quality. That sometimes gets pushed aside when results aren’t going your way.

“The players are still working and have been good around the place. We’ve had disappointments before and pushed them aside quickly, and we’ve got to do that again.”

Steven Defour is a doubt for the Liverpool clash, with the Belgium international midfielder aggravating the knee he had surgery on earlier this year.

Dyche has no other fresh concerns following the Palace defeat, with Stephen Ward (knee) and Nick Pope (shoulder) continuing their recovery schedules, but not yet being available.

Burnley have caused Liverpool issues in the recent past and Klopp, an admirer of the work done by Dyche, is wary of the threat they pose despite their struggles this season.

“We are all long enough together that we know about the specific challenge against Burnley. It’s a really tough place to go. Always tough since I am here,” he added.

“I know the Burnley results but you analyse them and it is how it is. Everybody knew before the season it was a big challenge for them with Europa League qualification, it’s a killer competition in the early stages of the season.

“The Burnley squad is not made for that so it was clear that the start would be rusty or whatever, but performance wise they are now in the league 100 per cent.

“That makes it a really difficult game for us, like all the others. No easy games coming up.”

Sadio Mane is a doubt for the trip after having stitches in a cut foot sustained in Sunday’s Merseyside derby.

Left-back Andy Robertson also has a minor problem, which could see Alberto Moreno make a rare start.

Klopp is likely to make changes in midfield with captain Jordan Henderson available after suspension and with forward Roberto Firmino looking out of sorts, Daniel Sturridge could also get a chance.