Scott Parker Fulham
Burnley manager Parker has highlighted the progress his team has made since their Premier League campaign began, despite a challenging start. After a disappointing 3-0 defeat to Spurs on the opening day, the Clarets have shown significant improvement, securing a 2-0 victory over Sunderland and narrowly losing to Manchester United and Liverpool due to last-minute penalties. As they prepare to face Nottingham Forest at Turf Moor, Parker insists on focusing on the positives and remaining concentrated on the immediate challenge.
Scott Parker said: “We reflect; we debrief. A lot of positives, playing the fixtures, we’ve been presented with early on in this season. They have been some tough, tough fixtures. I’ve seen a massive improvement from the first game of the season at Spurs, where I felt in the early part of that we looked a little bit dazed, a little bit unsure. I’ve seen a gradual improvement from there to Manchester United, and then another massive improvement to Liverpool, really. So every little nugget of every bit where there’s been success or there’s been positivity around the group, we need to emphasise, and we need to hold on to. That’s going to be our season this year. But football moves quick, we move quick. We’ve now got a game against Forest, another game for us to try and bring our best game and try and get a result.”
Scott Parker added: “I think he’s been well-documented. Ange where he’s gone, has been hugely successful at previous clubs and he did that again last year. Obviously, the planning for us is, I wouldn’t say not ideal, but you’re obviously planning for a totally different set-up and a different outlook on the game. It’s going to be absolutely vital, and it’s going to be fundamental for us this year. For this group, for myself, us as coaches, and us as an organisation, really. We understand the challenges this year, and we’ve said this from the outset, us as a group here, as a tight-knit group, we understand the challenges, and we know what’s going to be needed. The weekend’s game was a prime example of that; Sunderland was a prime example and I think the fans are on our page as well, they understand the dynamics. They’re going to understand, and they do understand that there’s a group of men that run out here every week, and I can guarantee you from the first game of the season to the last, it’s an honest group that will try and give everything they can for this shirt. I think our supporters can always forgive certain things, but I also think they appreciate and respect, and we’ll be right behind this group, really, which we’re going to need for the large part of this year.”
Burnley’s upcoming match against Nottingham Forest presents a new challenge, especially with Forest’s new manager, Ange Postecoglou, at the helm. Parker acknowledged Postecoglou’s successful track record and the need for Burnley to adapt to a different tactical setup. Despite the hurdles, Parker remains optimistic about his squad’s ability to rise to the occasion. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and the critical role that fan support will play throughout the season. The manager is confident that the team’s commitment and resilience will earn the respect and backing of their supporters, crucial for navigating the challenges of the Premier League.
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