Midfielder reflects on Wednesday night’s cup exit
The Clarets involvement in this season’s Carabao Cup competition came to an end on Wednesday following defeat to Everton.
Speaking after the game at Goodison, Sander Berge reflected on the small moments he believed cost his side and how despite results not going Burnley’s way – that the squad are taking responsibility and showing the right mentality.
“It’s disappointing, looking back at the match all in all, we gave away too many small mistakes which leads to a goal or constant pressure. We had moments throughout the game, I think for the most part of the first half, we showed what we were about in areas of controlling the game, winning duels, looking solid but then again not good enough to come under and give them a goal.
“Coming out second half we gave them momentum, they played to their strengths, and they get an easy goal and, at this level, if you give them your hand, they take a whole arm and that’s unfortunate. We just have to look at ourselves in the mirror and these small moments, big moments, have decided games for us because we’ve shown courage, belief of what the system is – that we can fulfil that, to work things, put ourselves in good positions. But if we give away goals like we do at this moment, this league is brutal and then you won’t come away with anything.”
When asked what manager Vincent Kompany’s message to the squad was after the game and how he believes his teammates will react, the Norwegian replied: “I don’t think anyone’s shying away from responsibility. Everyone is out there wanting to get on the ball, showing the right mentality and the right mindset throughout the whole game. It’s just find the moments where we have to win the duel, when it’s not dangerous but quickly changes to a dangerous situation and the same when we attack – we can create more, we can be more dangerous and we have to get more out of decisive moments in the game and that’s been the nature of most games. I think if you look between the boxes, unfortunately the game doesn’t get decided there but you see a lot of potential and obviously speaking after eleven, or twelve games in, like we are now with the cup and the league obviously we want to see more improvement. That we’re getting results. But the foundation is there and it’s all about us taking it, take the opportunity.
“I mean the cup adventure is over now but it’s full focus on the league. There’s nowhere to hide and I think everyone wants to just go out there and make sure we win games and I think we’ll see a very positive and inspired group.
“We’re the first people to look at ourselves, to watch the games back and develop, take pride in that, that we’re not doing so well but in terms of wanting to improve.”
After a run of fixtures on the road, Burnley return to Turf Moor on Saturday afternoon to take on Roy Hodgson’s Crystal Palace, with the midfielder keen to get back on home turf and deliver a more consistent performance.
“It’s a great opportunity coming at home. We haven’t won a game there yet and for each game coming up it’s an exciting group which is hungry. After loosing a lot of games and going through tough moments, there’s been a lot of anger and frustration, which is normal. But everyone is excited and ready to go. We have a big squad, and everyone wants to get out there, get minutes and show themselves, and for now for us it’s only about putting 95/100 minutes together which is very solid and not have just periods in the games.
“Consistency will help us a lot and I think we will learn and make sure we’re stronger in the few moments that it matters in the game.”
