RODRIGUEZ EXCITED FOR TEST AGAINST THE ROBINS

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Striker on emotional night at Ewood and the ultimate game of the season

2023-04-27T16:00:00.000Z

RODRIGUEZ EXCITED FOR TEST AGAINST THE ROBINS

Striker on emotional night at Ewood and the ultimate game of the season

2023-04-27T16:00:00.000Z

Striker on emotional night at Ewood and the ultimate game of the season

Jay Rodriguez faced the media on Thursday, as the Championship title winning Clarets gear up to travel to Bristol City this weekend in their penultimate game of the season.

Burnley have enjoyed several celebrations this season, securing promotion to the Premier League at the Riverside Stadium and clinched the title against Blackburn Rovers at Ewood Park on Tuesday.

When asked if he was looking forward to playing in the top-flight next season, Rodriguez said: “Definitely, even more so I think. It’s a big challenge, it’ll be a new challenge. We haven’t finished the season yet but you’re already looking for that, we can’t wait to play against the best teams, the best players, to play the way we play and see how well we do.”

Rodriguez was part of the Clarets side who were promoted through the play-offs in 2009 and was asked how the two promotion occasions compared.

“It’s different, obviously I was younger then, I was making sub appearances and still learning my trade if you will. I probably didn’t take it as much as what I’m taking it in now, I think that’s the experience. The way we did it then was impressive, the play-off final was a memory I’ll never forget but I think to do it how we’ve done it, to dominate this league and with everything that’s gone on, the change, the players coming in and out and the total rebrand if you will - I think has been really impressive.”

It was an emotional moment for Burnley born Rodriguez.

“There’s a lot [of emotions]. I was just saying then there was a lot of emotion. You look back at last season when we got relegated, it hurt, it hurt the town, hurt the Club, hurt everyone involved.

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“Then to do it at Ewood Park was really surreal. I think it’s just something that a Burnley lad will dream of. I was just stood there and to see the fans, players, staff, it meant so much to everyone. All the hard work we’ve done this season, it was just the icing on the cake to do it at Ewood.”

The striker was happy to play his part in creating history and said the team are now fully focussed on the task ahead, the next game against The Robins.

“It’s historical what happened, we were crowned Champions at our rivals stadium. It was just a shame more fans couldn’t celebrate with us but the ones that were there gave it a big go, it was really good. It’s one of those things that will be talked about for years and years.

“It’s been a bit calm; we’ve just got to keep focussed! No but in all seriousness, we’ve got a game against Bristol, who are a great side so it will be a tough game. In football obviously you want to enjoy the moment, but it soon comes round quick, and you’ve got to switch back, you’ve got to stay focussed. We’ve got two games left, two big games, and then we can party.”

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Burnley welcome Cardiff City to Turf Moor on the 8th May on what is set to be a special occasion as they lift the trophy in front of the home fans.

“That’ll be another moment that you have to absorb and really take in. Family being there, the fans, everyone, the whole town will be absolutely buzzing. It’s something that you can’t take for granted and something to look forward to.”

Finally, Rodriguez was asked about his feelings on the position of the Club and how he feels the team can compete next season.

“I genuinely believe we’re in a great place in terms of stamping our authority on the Premier League. The way we’ve played this season, we’ve dominated pretty much every game with the way we play, and I feel like we’re only at the start of a journey and we can only keep improving, keep learning.

“That’s the biggest thing this year, we’ve just learnt as the season’s gone on, by ups and downs of the season, that we just keep getting stronger and stronger and stronger. The work rate everyone puts in, the detail that the manager and the staff have, the ideas, it’s something for a footballer - for me - it’s a dream. You learn everyday about something and improve in certain areas, whatever area it is, they’ll find it and try and improve it. As a young footballer, as an older footballer, its perfect.”