'TO BE FIT AND READY IS THE MAIN PRINCIPLE' SAYS ESTÈVE

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Centre-back reflects on Stoke friendly

2025-08-02T17:07:00.723Z

'TO BE FIT AND READY IS THE MAIN PRINCIPLE' SAYS ESTÈVE

Centre-back reflects on Stoke friendly

2025-08-02T17:07:00.723Z

Centre-back reflects on Stoke friendly

Defender Maxime Estève insists that, despite suffering defeat at Stoke on Saturday, the main target for him and his teammates is to be ready to go for the Premier League season opener against Spurs in two weeks.

The French centre-back completed 90 minutes in a useful workout for Scott Parker's men at the bet365 Stadium, with the rest of the Clarets squad not involved at Stoke playing an in-house game at the training ground this morning.

Speaking post-match, Estève highlighted the main factor of pre-season being getting fit and minutes in the legs, but admitted there is always disappointment to lose any game of football.

"We are here to be fit and that's why we are here today, to get fit and ready for the first game of the Premier League which starts in two weeks.

"That's the main principle for us, we are obviously disappointed not to win, because I'm a competitive guy and I want to win but this is pre-season."

Estève continued: "I think it's been a really good pre-season for us all, everyone is fit, no real injuries or anything bad has happened, so that's a huge positive.

"The most important thing for us is to all be ready for Tottenham and the start of the season and that's all we focus on."

'TO BE FIT AND READY IS THE MAIN PRINCIPLE' SAYS ESTÈVE - Image 1

Burnley's attention now turns towards next weekend's friendly at Turf Moor against Serie A side Lazio and Estève is looking forward to seeing the supporters once again.

The 23-year-old said: "We're looking forward to next weekend, being back at home and in front of the supporters, it's going to be nice.

"It will be a tough game, Lazio are a good side, but we need the supporters to be ready for the season too and they can start the atmosphere next weekend."