PARKER 'WE KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS'

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Claret boss looks ahead to Saturday's East Lancashire derby

2024-08-29T11:57:00.000Z

PARKER 'WE KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS'

Claret boss looks ahead to Saturday's East Lancashire derby

2024-08-29T11:57:00.000Z

MATCH PREVIEW: BURNLEY V BLACKBURN ROVERS - Image 6

Head Coach Scott Parker insists he and his squad are well aware of the importance and significance of Saturday's East Lancashire derby at Turf Moor.

The Clarets host Blackburn Rovers on Saturday lunchtime and Parker acknowledges what this game means to those in the town of Burnley and urges his side to 'represent what Burnley means' this weekend.

Speaking in Thursday morning's press conference, Parker said: "This weekend is a huge game for everyone at the Club, the fans, the staff, the players, myself and the coaching staff, we know what this means.

"I've been in many derby's for different teams as a player and it meant everything to me when I played in them and I understood what they meant.

"It brings that raw emotion and we need to represent that emotion on the pitch this weekend, whilst also staying composed."

Parker added: "We need to bring a certain ingredient to this game, which can be defining. We are under no illusion of how important this is and and what it means to our supporters.

"I represent this football club and I'll take this game head on and every one of these players want to be here and they are fighting for this club and are all on board with what we stand for.

"We will go out there on Saturday and represent what Burnley means on that pitch and hopefully get three points going into the international break."

PARKER 'WE KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS' - Image 1

The Clarets boss also believes the supporters will have their part to play in the derby and across the 2024/25 season: "We're going to need every bit of everyone at Turf Moor this weekend to play their part and we need their support.

"In certain times and matches, where you need someone pushing you over the line and this is the same this weekend, we are going to need them right behind us, as they always are.

"It can be and will be the difference, they will be our 12th man and they will play a crucial role this season for us."

Parker was also asked for an update on his squad ahead of the game and the Head Coach said: "I think we're pretty clean in that sense. Josh (Cullen) is on the grass and we'll see where that is closer to the game.

"There's a chance for both him and Luca (Koleosho) to feature this weekend, but it will be a late call nearer the time.

"Enock (Agyei) will probably be back after the international break and maybe Hannes (Delcroix) too.

"The others longer-term injuries will be a bit after, but they are progressing forward."