DYCHE: WE HAVE GOT A VERY COMPETITIVE GROUP

Main Club Sponsor

TICKETS

SHOP

Manager Sean Dyche looks ahead to Saturday's Turf Moor clash with Brentford

2021-10-29T08:00:00.000Z

DYCHE: WE HAVE GOT A VERY COMPETITIVE GROUP

Manager Sean Dyche looks ahead to Saturday's Turf Moor clash with Brentford

2021-10-29T08:00:00.000Z

Manager Sean Dyche looks ahead to Saturday's Turf Moor clash with Brentford

Sean Dyche admits he has some tough decisions to make ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Brentford.

The Clarets narrowly exited the Carabao Cup on Wednesday night after a tough 1-0 defeat to Tottenham at Turf Moor but are back in league action this weekend.

Dyche made seven changes for the midweek tie, with the boss admitting the performance of some of those involved shows a growing squad depth in the first-team.

Both Ben Mee returned to the back four with Connor Roberts given the nod at right-back, while Jay Rodriguez and Matej Vydra were handed starts up front.

Dyche said: “I was pleased with the decision to leave Ben (Mee) out of Southampton because he had only one day’s training, then bring him in last night.

DYCHE: IT'S A BUILDING PROCESS - Image 1

“He slotted in and played well. I think those extra days of training actually helped him and it was great he came through unscathed.

“He is certainly back in the thinking for Saturday’s game.

“Ideally Connor (Roberts) would have had more game time, but he is a good athlete and I thought he adapted very well last night.

“He enjoyed playing last night and is certainly a player we are looking forward to developing – he will keep pushing.

“Management is about having those tough, but good, decisions when everyone is fit. That is why you build squads.

“We have got a very competitive group, there are some fine margins now between certain positions, and you want that to simulate the group.”

Burnley are looking to grab their first Premier League win of the season against newly-promoted Brentford on home soil.

Thomas Frank’s Bees have enjoyed a promising start to life in the top-flight – they currently sit 12th – and will pose a difficult challenge to Dyche’s side at the weekend.

The Clarets manager certainly won’t be underestimating the league’s newest team, adding: “I think they (Brentford) have adapted to the league in a different way, they are playing quick forwards and are aggressive in the right way.

“They have an openness to the challenge, and I think they are using that wisely.

“But I don’t underestimate anyone who gets to the Premier League, trust me. If you’re in the Premier League, you deserve the right to be there.

PL PREVIEW: MAN UNITED V BURNLEY - Image 1

“We know they are in a healthy place, but no game is easy in this league. And we’re in a good place ourselves, I wouldn’t underestimate where we are, because I know the group.

“The general level of performance is strong statistically, as well. But our focus hasn’t lost sight of the fact we need to win.”

Dyche also took time to mention former Claret George Boyd, who announced his retirement on Thursday.

Boyd played over 100 times for the club, with the winger scoring 12 league goals and functioning as a key part of the team that won promotion to the Premier League in 2015-16.

Dyche added: “George Boyd deserves a mention without a shadow of a doubt. He was a fantastic professional and had a fantastic career. He is a top fella as well.

“He was a record fee at the time when he came to us, but what a pro. One of the fittest players I have ever seen, and demanding of himself physically.

“One of his shining moments, the obvious one I think was the winning goal against Manchester City (March 2015) – a fantastic finish.

“He was a great person to have around the club.”