CULLEN “I’M PLEASED WE COULD DO IT FOR THE FANS!”

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Cullen chats derby day victory

2025-01-05T10:00:00.000Z

CULLEN “I’M PLEASED WE COULD DO IT FOR THE FANS!”

Cullen chats derby day victory

2025-01-05T10:00:00.000Z

Cullen chats derby day victory

Josh Cullen said he believed the Clarets stood up to the demands required of Saturday's East Lancashire Derby at Ewood Park and praised the travelling fans for their magnificent support on the road.

Speaking after the game, the midfielder reflected on what he called a solid performance and his delight at a derby day win.

“I'm feeling tired! It was a tough game. It’s been a long schedule over Christmas, a lot of sacrifices made, and a lot of hard work put in from the lads. So, to finish that sort of mental period with beating our rivals here at Ewood Park is a great feeling.

“We’re just pleased we could do it for the fans who backed us magnificently today. I’m delighted.”

Following a cagey first half Scott Parker's men found their breakthrough on the hour mark through a Zian Flemming header. Looking back on the game, how would Cullen rate the performance?

“I think we’ve played better don’t get me wrong, but Blackburn are a good side so to come here and dominate the ball and dominate the game was always going to be difficult.

CULLEN “I’M PLEASED WE COULD DO IT FOR THE FANS!” - Image 1

“To come here and be solid like we have been for the majority of the season, take our chance when we got it, I’m just proud of the lads really, the effort was brilliant. 1-0 away at your local rivals. Sometimes it’s not the prettiest of games but we take the result all day.”

It was a quality showing in midfield from the 28-year-old. How important was showing composure and managing the game in a derby against your local rivals?

“I think there’s a fine line, you have to get the balance of knowing what the rivalry is going to demand in terms of being up for the fight, winning duels, tackles and competing. But also recognising that that’s not going to be the whole game, and we do need to try and bring a bit of calmness on the ball, rest with it at times when the game is getting a bit frantic and try and work our openings.

“The Gaffer spoke about it before the game. I think all the lads, we spoke about doing what the game demands and I think we did that for the 90 minutes.”

CULLEN “I’M PLEASED WE COULD DO IT FOR THE FANS!” - Image 2

The Clarets had to show plenty of defensive desire particularly during the closing stages as the hosts pushed for an equaliser and Cullen was happy with the team for digging deep and keeping another clean sheet.

“We know what it means to the Club, we know what it means to the fans. That’s what it means to the lads in there as well. Not only this game but every game, we put our bodies on the line for each other. When we have to defend our goal, and it gets a bit ugly then we’re more than willing to do that. A big effort at the end and spells through the game. Set pieces, it felt like there were quite a few of those and we stood up to it really well. I’m just pleased with the overall performance.”

Finally, in a game that means so much to the fans, the midfielder was thrilled to send the travelling Clarets home happy and extend Burnley's unbeaten run against their rivals.

“There’s a lot of bragging rights for the fans. We never want to disappoint them and so to send them away happy with three points and the bragging rights for another year, another season, is brilliant. I’m happy we could get it done for them.”