JACKSON'S PRE-MATCH POINTS: ASTON VILLA (H)

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Interim Head Coach previews Aston Villa clash

2026-05-08T14:05:35.988Z

JACKSON'S PRE-MATCH POINTS: ASTON VILLA (H)

Interim Head Coach previews Aston Villa clash

2026-05-08T14:05:35.988Z

Interim Head Coach previews Aston Villa clash

The Clarets return to Turf Moor on Sunday afternoon to take on Aston Villa.

Ahead of the encounter, Interim Head Coach Mike Jackson sat down with the media to talk about this week's training, welcoming an Aston Villa side who last night secured a spot in the Europa League final, and his desire for the squad to give the Burnley fans something positive to respond to for the remainder of the campaign.

THIS WEEK

“It was a bit emotional at the start of the week, but we just have to get on with it. We have to be professional, respect the competition that we’re in and find a way of getting the lads going, get some energy around the place. It’s been a good week.

“We had a conversation a couple of days ago in a team meeting and Josh Cullen spoke to the group separately, and that went well. We’ve been talking about what we need to do for these remaining games of the season. How we represent the Club, the fans, and ultimately ourselves as well.

“It’s a difficult situation that we’re in but in the grand scheme of things, what we do for a living, we’re privileged to play football. It’s been tough but there’s a lot of things out there that are a lot tougher than this. So, for us this week it’s just been about reconnecting, getting some energy back in, some identity back in and start working hard again.”

INJURIES

“We’ve got the long-term injuries, Enock, Josh Cullen is coming along really well. Connor Roberts will be in an U21s game this week. Apart from that everybody is fit and available.”

JACKSON'S PRE-MATCH POINTS: ASTON VILLA (H) - Image 1

SUNDAY'S OPPONENTS

“I think after the result last night that will bring a bit of confidence back into the team. They’re a very good team, very well coached. They look like they improve year on year. I like watching them play, they’ve got a good style as well. It’s clear what they do.”

GIVING THE FANS SOMETHING TO RESPOND TO

“Let’s be honest we haven’t been good enough at home this season. I think the fans deserve more from us, but we really need them and we owe them in a way.

“For us, it’s at home, so try to create some intensity, be on the front foot and try and make a game of it. The biggest thing for us now is to finish the season in a positive way.

“Unless you’ve played as well, which I have, for other people I don’t think you realise just how much the fans can actually help and help the players. But on the other hand, you have to give them something as well, to respond to, to react to. For me it goes hand in hand, it’s not one or the other.

“That’s something that we’ve not given them enough of this year. There’s a lot of disappointment, I totally get that, I understand it. We take responsibility for what has happened, the players know that. We don’t want any blame or excuses; we don’t want anyone to feel sorry for us. It’s not about that, it’s about trying to reconnect with the fans, reset, and start looking towards the future.”