BERGE REFLECTS ON AFTERNOON AT ANFIELD

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Midfielder taking the positives from performance

2024-02-11T11:28:14.823Z

BERGE REFLECTS ON AFTERNOON AT ANFIELD

Midfielder taking the positives from performance

2024-02-11T11:28:14.823Z

Midfielder taking the positives from performance

Sander Berge believes Burnley can take positives from Saturday's defeat to Liverpool and that trust in the process remains key going forward.

Speaking after the game, the 25-year-old was reflective on the many elements he feels the team executed well on the afternoon and those areas that can be worked on ahead of Arsenal's visit to Turf Moor next week.

“I think we started very bright. We were at it, we had a good shape, we dealt with their long balls. We managed to win second balls, we went forward, broke through the midfield, set up Wilson - we looked dangerous from the kick-off.

“Then obviously they get their first goal, but that didn’t push us back or anything. I think we showed spirit and the morale you need to go to a tough place like here and fight back. All in all, in the first half I think it’s a deserved 1-1. Brilliant set-piece and header from Dara.

“Come out second half, they’re pushing for it, get the first goal which is - we can talk more about. But then I think we showed strength and courage after that. Bravery with the ball, winning second balls, set up two/three massive chances. It’s fine margins for us not coming back in the game 2-2 there. Then they punish us with the 3-1.

MATCH PREVIEW: WEST HAM UNITED V BURNLEY - Image 1

“But I think the spirit, you can tell by the away fans the atmosphere was brilliant there, that’s the reason for it also, that we show something on the pitch. We fought as a proper team today; we were there in the battles and stood up for ourselves. I’m proud of the lads for effort and what we showed on and off the ball. This is how it has to be every week and we have to make sure it clicks, so we score those goals and don’t concede those goals.”

At 1-1 the Clarets did have numerous chances which the Norwegian says at a difficult stadium to go to, is a positive to take away from the performance.

“We got in behind, we won the second battle in the midfield area, long goal kicks, managed to wriggle through with the ball and we got Fofana in behind - he was a threat all game. Very good to keep the ball as well, to make the runs and get in there, which has been shown first with his assist at City and his two goals in the last game. Hopefully we can build on the threat he has been. I think the team supported well, Ramsey, Zeki, Wilson behind, they stood up well and impressed me. The new lads have been great. A positive performance absolutely, but obviously not the result we wanted.”

It was a record league attendance crowd at Anfield on the afternoon and Berge was pleased with how the team rose to the occasion.

BERGE REFLECTS ON AFTERNOON AT ANFIELD - Image 2

“Coming out today, with that atmosphere you know, it’s fantastic. These are the games you want to play in but then you also have to deserve it. This is a performance we can be proud of but at the same time, this has to be the standard every week, no matter who we play. This just shows what we’re able to do if we play up to our qualities and play with that extra flair I would say - people had a little bit of swagger today, to take on and give no more respect than necessarily needed. Obviously look out for what they come with but at the same time back ourselves and with that you can come a long way. Then it’s just about finalising it all and making the full performance good.”

With positives to take from recent performances but not always three points come the final whistle, just how much of a role does Berge believe a solid team spirit and togetherness will play moving forward?

“It’s going to be massive, the importance of that is everything and I think this club is showing that every day. People see us at 3 o’clock on a Saturday but then throughout the week we're pushing every single day, everyone trying to get better, working on the process.

“It’s easy to say but I’ve been in different dressing rooms and different clubs and it’s unreal what’s going on here and I believe we stand strong; we stand together, and we really look at what we can improve. I’m proud of being part of a club like that. Week in and week out to have that personality to move on, to see what we can do better, and I believe that things will click because we trust the process.”