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Clarets chase double delight against European hopefuls Liverpool

2021-05-19T09:34:10.207Z

Freedom Fighters!

Clarets chase double delight against European hopefuls Liverpool

2021-05-19T09:34:10.207Z

Clarets chase double delight against European hopefuls Liverpool

Sean Dyche believes the Clarets’ hard-earned ‘freedom’ can give themselves the chance of achieving another major landmark.

Dyche’s men face deposed Premier League champions Liverpool in their final home game in front of the returning fans at Turf Moor on Wednesday night.

The Reds will be desperate to win to go fourth in the table and put one foot back in next season’s Champions League competition.

But the Clarets have already hit their primary target for the campaign by securing their top-flight status and have less pressure on their shoulders as they look to complete a first double over the defending top-flight champions for the first time since 1953/54.

“The main job for this season – and I'd like to think we can build beyond the sort of thinking for this season which was to basically to stay up after we had such a tough start – that’s achieved,” said Dyche.

“And now it's like ‘come on then, let's take on these games’.

“I didn’t think there was a lack of that against Leeds. They just had a bit more than us on the day and were more clinical, so I’ve been pretty happy with the level of performance.

“Going into Liverpool, everyone will expect Liverpool to win. Everyone knows what Liverpool are chasing.

“It's just brings you that little bit of freedom when you go ‘come on lads let's take on the game and see where it takes us.’

“We did that away and now we've got to do it at home, but they're a top outfit without a doubt.”

The Clarets – beaten 4-0 at home by Leeds last Saturday – won at Liverpool in January for the first time since 1974 thanks to Ashley Barnes’ late penalty.

The 1-0 victory brought to an end the Reds’ record 68-match unbeaten home run in the Premier League and temporarily put the skids under Jurgen Klopp’s side.

Liverpool went on to lose their next five home league games as well to slip off the pace in the race for Europe.

However, the 2019 Champions League winners have since revived their hopes and look likely of a top-four finish with wins in their final two games.

And Dyche therefore knows his side will still have to get back towards their best to end a nine-game winless home run.

“The freedoms thing; don't get me wrong, you've still got to do the right things,” added the Burnley boss.

“It doesn't mean you go around there and run around like kids in a playground. That doesn't happen in professional football, I can assure you, and certainly not in the Premier League. There's a professional delivery of a performance.

“The last few games they have looked strong they have looked sharp. We know they are a good outfit. They have proven that and it doesn’t need me to remind you.

“You have to be ready for all of these challenges. They are in good form and chasing to try and make sure they are in the Champions League slots.

“It's not an easy task that for sure. We had a really big result away at their place. We were pleased with that but obviously this is a different game.

“That one doesn't owe you this one that's for sure. We know they’re a good outfit. we have got to be ready and we’ve got to play hard and work very hard because usually to win these games you have to be prepared to put the effort in.”