RODRIGUEZ USING HIS EXPERIENCE TO TACKLE LEAGUE CHALLENGES

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Striker looks ahead to Liverpool encounter

2023-12-26T12:00:00.000Z

RODRIGUEZ USING HIS EXPERIENCE TO TACKLE LEAGUE CHALLENGES

Striker looks ahead to Liverpool encounter

2023-12-26T12:00:00.000Z

Striker looks ahead to Liverpool encounter

Clarets striker Jay Rodriguez is relishing the opportunity to face the top teams in the Premier League and is relying on his years of experience to tackle the challenging encounters.

Representing his hometown club, Burnley's number 9 has enjoyed success against Liverpool previously, winning five and scoring four goals in previous encounters, but stresses how difficult it'll be against Boxing Day's opponents.

“Some teams you obviously look through your career, you realise you score more goals or do well against certain teams, but I wouldn’t say to play against Liverpool is an easy thing or anything like that. It’s probably one of the toughest game’s this season, the team they’ve got, the club it is, the history it’s got, it’s a huge club.

“These are the games you want to play in, against the best in the world. It’ll be an extremely tough game.”

An update from both camps ahead of Saturday night's meeting with the Toffees

Rodriguez has form for scoring very early goals, including his opener 15 seconds in against Sheffield United this season. So, does he attribute this to his preparation in the warmup or anything in particular?

“The sooner the better to score is obviously for the best for yourself and the team but I just prepare exactly the same for each game to make sure you’re the sharpest you can be for throughout the 90 minutes.

“I think maybe that’s just the way it’s fallen for me sometimes which is good for me and the team. I’d say you just prepare in the warmups to be ready to go as soon as the whistle blows.”

As we approach the new year, the striker has featured heavily for his side this season and as a senior pro he's pleased to have secured so many minutes.

“I think to represent my hometown club in the Premier League is one of the proudest things I can do in my career. Every time I step out there it’s always a pinch yourself moment and you want to do your best for the team and the club.

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“I think I could have scored a few more in the recent games but that’s football and I’ll just continue to work hard and keep improving and keep helping the team.”

Plus, as a senior player, Rodriguez says its this experience that can hopefully help the younger squad members.

“Of course, it’s new to a lot of players. To go to these stadiums can be daunting, I’ve been there myself, where the first time you step out there you don’t feel like it’s real sometimes. But realistically you’ve got to be performing from minute one to minute 90 against the best players in the world.

“So, you’re always speaking to them, trying to show them on the training field how I work and show what it means and hopefully I am helping the younger lads through my experience and giving my advice whenever they need it.”

And when times are tough and results aren't going your way, he also uses his years of football to ensure that the fight to succeed is at the forefront of his mind.

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“It’s tough. The games are based on results and it’s not nice to come away being beaten but I think for myself and the team we’re consistently working hard, we’re not taking our foot off the gas, we’re doing more and more each week. I think that’s what keeps you optimistic and positive because you see the work we’re doing, and the togetherness is there. The fight’s there, that’s what does keep you going so hopefully you do get the result that you want, and you kick on from there.

“It’s more that, as long as you keep doing the work and keep on a level that you feel like you’re improving, it’s got to change.”

Burnley born and bred, Rodriguez has seen a lot at the club, having been a fan, a ball boy and a player, and he's positive about the direction it's going in.

“The success we had last year was unbelievable, but I feel like the club’s moving forward, which is always important for a club to do in football, to keep moving forward and I think we are doing.

“It’s the results that have been really disappointing and where we are in the league, but I feel like we are improving slightly each time and that’s the most important thing. I feel like the club’s in good hands and hopefully that continues.”