'A BRILLIANT TEST FOR US' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF SUNDERLAND TRIP

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Clarets Head Coach looks ahead to Saturday's visit to the North East

2024-08-22T15:15:00.000Z

'A BRILLIANT TEST FOR US' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF SUNDERLAND TRIP

Clarets Head Coach looks ahead to Saturday's visit to the North East

2024-08-22T15:15:00.000Z

Clarets Head Coach looks ahead to Saturday's visit to the North East

Scott Parker described Saturday's clash with Sunderland as a 'brilliant test' for him and his side, with the hosts winning their two opening games of the 2024/25 campaign like the Clarets.

Burnley travel to the Stadium of Light this weekend and Parker is well aware of the challenge his side will face coming up against the Black Cats but insists it's an opportunity to see where his side are at.

Speaking to the media on Thursday afternoon, Parker said: "It's a tough place to go as a player with 40,000 people in the stadium. They are a young and dynamic team who have got off to a really good start, but we go there under no illusions of the test we will face.

"They have won two games, they have some talented players, a new coach and we know the danger that they can pose and what they are capable of.

"It's a brilliant test for us, this early on in the season, every test is good to see where we are and learn more about the group and this weekend brings another different challenge for us, but we'll be prepared for it."

'A BRILLIANT TEST FOR US' SAYS PARKER AHEAD OF SUNDERLAND TRIP - Image 1

The Clarets have started the campaign well and scored the most goals, Parker acknowledges his side are in a 'very good position' but admits there is still plenty of work to be done for him and his squad.

"We're in a very good position but we aren't where I want us to be just yet. That is a positive thing though, because there are large parts of our game which we need to get better at.

"There's a fine balance to it and experience of what I want it to look like, yes it's been a very good start with two wins & nine goals and we are moving in the right direction, but we have to keep pushing and keep working hard."

Parker has been in charge of the Clarets for nearly two months and highlighted the importance of getting to know the players 'on a personal level' and the bond he has with the team.

"I want to get to know these players on a personal level. I understand the dynamics and the different ways people work. These are lessons which we are learning every day.

"In key moments, it is the human being which defines you as a footballer. That is why it is so important for me to find out more about the players as people.

"You can only learn that by being around them and seeing them in certain moments."