Dyche: Experience Is Crucial

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2020-10-03T09:00:00.000Z

Dyche: Experience Is Crucial

2020-10-03T09:00:00.000Z

Watch the Gaffer face the media exclusively on Clarets+

Sean Dyche feels that Burnley’s experience will stand them in good stead as they look to get their season up and running at Newcastle.

The Clarets head north still searching for their first point of the Premier League season, following defeats at Leicester and at home to Southampton.

But Dyche is an advocate of the marathon over the sprint, and believes that as his lengthy injury list continues to easer, the addition of battle-hardened players will aid the Clarets’ cause.

“I’d prefer a good start to the season, of course, but I always thought this early part would be tough and that being said, we take on the challenge gladly.

“It’s always helpful to get that first win under your belt, but we’ve been down this road before and still looked after ourselves.

“It’s the story of a season - and I’ve always said that.

“We are stretched outside of getting results at the minute, but I still believe in the group I put out there.

“They showed at the end of last season that they are more than capable.

“So, you would like a win and points on the board early. Yes. But does it guarantee your season? No, it doesn’t.”

Burnley should be boosted by the return of James Tarkowski and Ashley Barnes, who are both in line for their first taste of Premier League action this season following a return in midweek against Manchester City in the Carabao Cup.

And with wide men Johann Berg Gudmundsson and Robbie Brady also closing in on a return, that would just leave Ben Mee, Matt Lowton, Jay Rodriguez and Jack Cork on the treatment table.

“One we get our players back fit I think we’ll look more rounded and I don’t think we are far off,” insisted Dyche, who will also welcome back the cup-tied Dale Stephens this weekend.

“We definitely should have got something against Southampton, I thought. And even at Leicester we create lots of chances, so there are signs.

“It just adds to the belief in the squad when they are looking over their shoulders and seeing very good players coming back to fitness.

“The depth of experience some of those players have in the Premier league, and what they have achieved, is bound to be important to the group.”

Newcastle have enjoyed a solid start to the campaign, with an impressive away win at West Ham on the opening day being followed by a shock 0-3 home defeat to Brighton and a hard-fought 1-1 draw at Spurs last weekend.

“I am a big fan of Steve as a fella, and a manager. His teams are always in good shape and with a good tactical understanding, so I expect it to be a tough game,” added the Clarets boss.

“We are beginning to get players back and I know they have a few knocks too.

“It’s never an easy place to go, regardless of the fact there are no fans.

“But from our point of view it is encouraging that we are getting bodies back, with the likes of Barnesy and Tarky, and we hope we can get the fitness of others improved over the international break.”

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