Dyche: Clarets fit for long run
SEAN DYCHE has warned “hot and cold” Leeds will not be able to run the legs off his reconditioned and fit Burnley side.
The Burnley boss has seen an upturn in results since November, with three wins and three draws from seven games, the only defeat being against Manchester City.
Dyche says his squad are now battle- fit and can exploit Leeds’ weakness at set- pieces.
He said: “There are good signs that we are getting back to where we want to be, competing in games.
“We won’t get 25 to 30 chances, but we have created good chances and we look more effective in the final third.
“There has been a shift in style at Leeds going man to man across the pitch. That has led to an up and down season for Leeds. On a hot day they are hot and when not they are not. .
“We have to take them on knowing they are a good side and have energy.
“We know they are not as strong as they’d like on set- pieces – but we are.
“We are capable physically. We are often among the front runners with our physical prowess and energy. We are getting collectively stronger. We are fully motivated and fully fit.”
Burnley have climbed clear of the bottom three, and Dyche said: “It is not a case of turning the corner. There are some facts about us getting stronger. Over the past few weeks we have got players Premier League fit – having that real edge to their fitness it takes to be in this league..
“It has been a gradual progress through fitness, and when you have a fully fit squad, you get that in- house competitiveness to get the shirt, which raises the levels for every game.”