Pleasure Not Pain For Pieters

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Defender ready to enjoy the run-in as Clarets close in on safety

2021-04-03T08:27:17.212Z

Pleasure Not Pain For Pieters

Defender ready to enjoy the run-in as Clarets close in on safety

2021-04-03T08:27:17.212Z

Defender ready to enjoy the run-in as Clarets close in on safety

Erik Pieters is ready to embrace the Clarets’ run-in and enjoy the pursuit of Premier League safety.

Pieters is confident the Clarets will do what they need to guarantee a sixth successive season of top-flight football at Turf Moor.

And while some might endure a nervy end to the campaign, the Dutchman will take a different view as he looks to extend his own Premier League career after recently signing a 12-month extension to his contract with the Clarets.

“I don’t want to be too over-confident, but I think two wins should do the job. You never know,” said Pieters ahead of the Clarets’ trip to Southampton where they will be looking to add to their 33-point tally.

“You have to enjoy it. Before you know it, the season’s over. There are only nine games left.

“It’s important to go game to game and get the wins, especially against the people around us. I think that’s really important.”

Burnley are level on points with Sunday’s opponents – seven clear of the relegation places in 15th place in the table.

And while the Saints have been sliding down the table on the back of just one win in 12 league games – scattered around a run to the semi-finals of the FA Cup – Sean Dyche’s men have found some momentum at a crucial time as they look to guarantee their safety.

The Clarets have lost just one of their last eight league games and their 2-1 win at Everton just before the international break came on the back of one of their best performances of the season.

“Everyone knows a win is always a good thing, but before the break having that win and especially the way we played that game. I think we played really well,” added Pieters, who is looking to maintain that momentum on what could be his 50th Burnley appearance after returning to the left-back role at Goodison Park.

“It was massive to go into the international break. It’s really good to have that win and I think everyone is ready to continue this against Southampton.

“It feels like a long time since we played. We’ve had a good couple of days off to chill out and relax after a really busy schedule for everyone.

“And we’ve also had some good (training) sessions so we’re ready to go again, I think.

“I fully trust in the team and our ability to perform and stay up. That’s how we are and that’s how our mentality is. I never doubted that fact.”