Midfielder on first goal and Carabao Cup Third Round win
Sander Berge praised Burnley’s pleasing performance against Salford City in Tuesday night’s Third Round win over Salford City.
Four goals secured a Fourth Round place, with Berge netting the first, his first goal for the Club, and to get the Clarets off to what was set to be a dominant display from the visitors.
“We enjoyed it. I think we were very professional from the first minute, we came out here with the same intensity we’ve been showing in the Premier League, and we were at it, won second balls. Obviously, an early goal, then the second and the third, it helped us calm things down and then I think had control all in all. Could have scored more and created even more, but a solid performance from everyone.”
Berge headed home on the 12th minute mark, his first goal for the Club.
“I mean I haven’t scored a lot of headers in my time so it’s about time scoring when you’re 6 ft 4, 6 ft 5 but it was nice to get in the box there and see that go in. It’s always nice to get your first goal for a new club and it was a good start, so we just built confidence from there. Very good feeling.”
Clarets boss Vincent Kompany made 11 changes from the weekend’s narrow defeat to Manchester United, showcasing the depth in the squad.
“Yes, I think we’ll learn a lot, you can see development game by game, obviously the last two performances in the league have been brighter and a lot more positive. We’re just building on that and learning from each other. It’s big competition in every position, two, three, four lads can play in every position on the pitch, and it just shows the strength of the team and there’s so much young talent. It’s all about just taking your chance when you get it and I think we’ll build a lot on this.”
In addition to Berge, Bruun Larsen, Odobert and O’Shea also netted their first goals for the side – with the midfielder believing this showed the players are keen to take their chance.
“For sure, we’re a lot of new lads and it takes some time to gel together as a team because some lads haven’t played so much, some have played a little, some have played a lot. Day by day in training we learn a lot and we get to see each other perform and everyone gets used to the way we want to play – which is a big change for a lot of players.
“So, I think we’ll just gradually get better and better and it’s all about just working hard everyday and you will see a huge improvement and I think the lads, we’re getting into it more and more.”
The dominant win and the improvement shown over the last few fixtures are important elements to take forward, including into this weekend’s visit to Newcastle United.
“Every game is tough in the Premier League and obviously St James’ Park, Newcastle, is a tough place to come but I think we’re building every week now and it shows what we’re capable of. What we did against Manchester United and there’s still a lot to improve even tonight.
“So, we’ll keep on just getting better and have to get up for it because we know they’re a very strong team, especially at home. It’ll be a tough one but a very exciting one and you see the process daily with us and it will help us a lot – the way we’ve analysed the previous games and the more time we spend together.”
