Manager Sean Dyche was again a happy man this weekend as Burnley took victory over Leicester City to strengthen our push for a Europa League adventure next season.
Hosting Claude Puel’s fellow European hopefuls at Turf Moor last weekend for our latest tie, a 2-1 victory courtesy of goals from Chris Wood and Kevin Long inside of the opening ten minutes of the first half returned all three points and we now sit only two points behind Arsenal who occupy sixth place in the table.
SD on Europe: "“I think every person who has ever supported Burnley, even for one second of their life, would have taken me answering questions about Europe at the start of the season" pic.twitter.com/Uv0DEUSA85
— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 14, 2018
With Burnley well positioned for a first European adventure since 1966/67 the game also saw us register five straight wins for the first time since 1968 and speaking to the Official Site as he met with the media following the game, Dyche was obviously quick to temper expectations as he knew we simply had to focus on each game coming up individually before we get carried away but there was certainly praise for the mentality of the group.
REACTION | 'You're going to be having to answer more questions about European football now…'
WATCH ➡️ https://t.co/N1bv9ZRTTx pic.twitter.com/nTaWsr3USL— Burnley FC (@BurnleyOfficial) April 14, 2018
“It’s very difficult in this league to win games back to back, let alone five, and the group deserve it. If you imagine the mentality to come out of a run of 11 games in this league without a win and then put five wins together, that takes a tough mindset. There is a mentality that, if things go against us, it’s never because of effort or organisation. That gritty determination is a marvellous thing and all wins are important for many different reasons, but especially that one today.”
https://twitter.com/Laura_jean____/status/985444216158543872
His praise didn’t end there, not only was he delighted with the attacking intent on show as we started the game far brighter than Leicester, he also knew we had to show some backbone given their second-half display. Again for Dyche mixing our game up like that and showing both sides was a testament to the mentality of the group and their willingness to dig in when needed.
https://twitter.com/al56jop/status/985231835985776642
Goalkeeper Nick Pope came in for particular praise for his work in the second period.
“You have to grind out a result, and we did, with an outstanding display from ‘Popey’. He’s made some big saves over this season, and in general, has been well protected by the team. Now and again you need to come to the fore and he’s done that today.”
European talk was an obvious topic of conversation.
“I think every person who has ever supported Burnley, even for one second of their life, would have taken me answering questions about Europe! There have been some tough times in these parts, both at the cub and in the area generally, and it’s bringing a smile to a lot of faces. It’s a very important thing. In this area, the people back the club and the club backs the town. There’s a really big connection and days like these must be good for everyone.”
Dyche’s assessment of the situation on a European front was spot on when it came to the fans.
I've supported Burnley for 44 years I can't believe the season we r having.From 1987 to now,Sean Dyche is an absolute marvel, he's made my year,got my passport ready😁
— Diane Moore (@dollycroc) April 15, 2018
Suspect, had SD mentioned the possibility of European qualification at the start of the season, that many of us might also have opined that he needed his bumps felt. But then we went to Chelsea…..
— Rick Ford (@RickersTwickers) April 14, 2018
I’ve supported Burnley all my life and hopefully if we keep getting the wins we will get into Europe and still if not we have had a good season and next we will come stronger and get into Europe
— Jacob (@JacobBfd5) April 14, 2018
EUROPE EUROPE EUROPE
— CMTrades (@CMTrades2204) April 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/wes_ma/status/985187427097726976
This is by far the club’s biggest ever achievement – including the league championships! 7th in the prem is a different kettle of fish than 1st in 1960!
— Dr Chris Kirk (@ChrisKirk_ASP) April 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/geofflancaster/status/985197241555136514
Whatever happens, it’s been a season to remember and I’m sure it’ll live long in the memories of many.