EKDAL ON POINT AT THE SEASIDE

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Defender reflects on his first Lancashire derby

2023-03-04T18:07:48.193Z

EKDAL ON POINT AT THE SEASIDE

Defender reflects on his first Lancashire derby

2023-03-04T18:07:48.193Z

Defender reflects on his first Lancashire derby

Hjalmar Ekdal experienced his first Lancashire derby on Saturday afternoon, in Burnley's goalless draw at Bloomfield Road.

Speaking after the game, the defender was pleased the side kept a clean sheet but was disappointed they couldn't keep up their winning ways with the three points on the day.

“It was a tough game, we are disappointed not to get away with three points obviously, but we kept a clean sheet and we still continued to create chances which is good. I think with a little patience it’s going to get there again.”

Blackpool are six unbeaten at home, a statistic which Ekdal is not surprised to hear, having come up against the solid defence throughout the 90 minutes.

“Yes, I didn’t know that actually, but you could tell that. They were confident and a solid defence so you can say anything about that but yes I think we still had chances to break them down.

“Of course, for us defenders [a clean sheet] is like a win in itself but we’re disappointed to not get away with three. We play for the three points every game and that’s the most important. However, yes, a clean sheet we bring that with us, so yes, it’s fine.”

The January signing has featured heavily for the Clarets since joining and has settled into the backline well.

“Yeah maybe, when you think about it, I’ve been here for six weeks. It’s gone quick, it’s gone really quick, much quicker than I expected so personally I’m really happy with that and I just hope to continue.”

Both on and off the pitch Ekdal has bonded with fellow centre back Jordan Beyer and is enjoying forming a positive partnership at the heart of the defence.

“Yes [we get on] both on and off the pitch. He’s a nice guy, we get along good on the pitch as well. I think he’s a really, really good centre back so it’s comfortable playing with him. Good communication, we bounce off each other really good, his qualities match my qualities.”

Finally, after a busy February, the Clarets have no midweek fixture, and are back on home turf next Saturday against Wigan Athletic.

When asked if the extra few days comes at a welcome time, Ekdal said: “Yes, it does. We have a wide squad, so it wouldn’t bother us really to play two games a week, but we’ve done it now for a little time. I think you can tell that some players are tired, not at least me I am tired. I rested this midweek, so it was good for me. Now we get another week so it will be good for the team.”