Sean Dyche says Burnley's open-minded approach to season has been effective
Thursday 8 February 2018 16:25, UK
Sean Dyche says Burnley's open-minded approach to the season has been reflected in their improved performances.
The Clarets finished 16th in the Premier League last season on 40 points and with 12 games to go this term, they are in seventh with 36 points.
Burnley are without a win in nine games, following their 1-1 draw with Manchester City on Saturday, but Dyche believes his squad have shown significant change this season which he hopes will continue.
"Goal number one for this season is improving on last season, so we got 40 [points] and we want to go beyond that and I think we've improved as what we are as a group," said Dyche, ahead of Burnley's clash with Swansea on Saturday.
"It's been more challenging lately due to injuries, but when everyone's fully fit and that competitive element among the group is there then I think we have improved on last season.
"But you've got to do the improvement on the league table, that's where you're measured, we want to go above and beyond where we were last season, that's the first marker.
"We're open-minded beyond that, we have been all season and I think that's been more effective this year.
"Eighteen points away from home, 18 points at home and that proves there has been a more open-minded approach, particularly away from home because that was difficult for us last season. We've quite obviously changed that so long may it continue."
The Clarets may have earned a point against league leaders Man City, but ahead of a trip to an in-form Swansea side, Dyche says Burnley have to be ready to challenge in every game.
"It's another big challenge, they all are," added Dyche. "We're Burnley and we know what we are, we know the reality of the challenge that is right in front of us.
"Every game we play is another big challenge and this is no different. We have to be ready and we will be."
