ROBERTS ENJOYING STYLE OF PLAY WITH WIGAN ON THE HORIZON

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Welsh international looks ahead to Latics test

2022-08-25T14:53:04.471Z

ROBERTS ENJOYING STYLE OF PLAY WITH WIGAN ON THE HORIZON

Welsh international looks ahead to Latics test

2022-08-25T14:53:04.471Z

Welsh international looks ahead to Latics test

Defender Connor Roberts says he's relishing a new style of play under manager Vincent Kompany having having played every minute of the Championship season so far.

The Welshman spoke to the media on Thursday afternoon to discuss Saturday's game against Wigan Athletic, getting to grips with his new role, and how performances in a Burnley shirt can aid his World Cup ambitions.

Roberts on the new style of play:

"It’s what I’ve been used to before I came to Burnley. I’m playing a slightly different role to what I’ve played in the past in the Championship for Swansea, and for Wales, I’m more of a wing back. I’m more of an outlet and I get into the box more than you’ve found me doing in recent games for Burnley.

"It’s a different role for me coming inside, and I’m enjoying it. All I can do is what the coaches and the manager ask from me. Their feedback is positive at the moment, and I’ll continue to do what they tell me. It’s more normal for me to play this way."

Roberts on the Championship's hectic schedule:

"That's the nature of the Championship, I love it. I prefer getting out there playing games. We've had a good few already, and we're only a few weeks in.

"Even when results don’t go your way, you still feel a sense of enjoyment being out there, playing with a little bit of freedom to express yourself and get on the ball.

"We’re footballers at the end of the day and the more times you can touch the football, the better. We're being a bit more patient on the ball and if you have the ball, the other team haven’t got a chance to score."

Roberts on Wigan:

"Our performance has to be at the forefront of our minds. We need a bit of luck and to defend better than we did in second half against Blackpool. We want to get more on the board points wise, the more than merrier in terms of that.

"It's the performance we need to take care of [on Saturday though]. On the back of a good performance, hopefully we get the result. It's another chance for us to get out there and play again, showing what we can do."

Roberts on his role in the squad:

"The first few games it was different, and then at the weekend, I went into midfield a bit more trying to create advantages in terms of numbers around the pitch.

"All I can do is do my best, and the feedback I've had so far is good. The longer I spend playing this role, the better I'll get at it. I've grown up at Swansea playing with the ball from a young age so being in there doesn’t make me any less comfortable.

"The goals we’ve created so far have all started with us playing out. I’m used to it and we’re in a period of transition at this Club. In the long run, playing this way is better and hopefully it will bring us success.

"After the Blackpool game, we looked at clips and there were numerous times where we came out through Aro [Muric] to create chances, but didn’t capitalise on it. Our problems so far have lied with scoring goals, not from playing out."

ROBERTS ENJOYING STYLE OF PLAY WITH WIGAN ON THE HORIZON - Image 2

Roberts on Wales and the World Cup:

"It's incredible. It is the greatest competition for a national side and the first time Wales have got there in a long, long time. I just want to get picked for the squad, play in the games, and then I can say I've played at a World Cup.

"It’s a bit disappointing it's in Qatar because it's difficult for family and friends to come to. It's possibly the only time I'll play in a World Cup, and ideally I would've wanted all of my mates and my family to be there, however it's not looking possible at the moment.

"I'm looking forward to it though, but up until then I'll keep playing for Burnley and doing what the manager wants me to do."