Burnley manager Scott Parker says 5-1 scoreline was harsh on his 'brave' Burnley players
Burnley boss Scott Parker praised his “brave” players on an unfortunate away day as his side harshly conceded five goals to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium.
The 5-1 scoreline was perhaps a little flattering to the home side who benefited from two Maxime Estève own goals, albeit deflections, and a late late brace from goal machine Erling Haaland.
Parker said: “I don’t think that was a 5-1 scoreline, I think it seems really harsh on us. For 60-odd minues we caused City some problems, and the two quick goals in the second-half were hammer blows.
“I thought we were outstanding with and without the ball. We asked the players to be brave today. We needed to show our quality and I think for 70-odd minutes we were right in this game and caused City problems.
“I think it’s fair to say at the back end of the game it fell away from us. I don’t think 5-1 reflected our performance but that’s the reality.”
Parker also reflected on how he can lift his players after being on the wrong end of some hammer blows in recent games against Manchester United and Liverpool, conceding late penalties.
“We’ve had some tough fixtures, but massive positives. We’ve got some real core foundations here and understanding of what the journey’s going to look like at times. We’ll keep going and keep trying to perform like we did today. For a team coming up from the Championship to the Etihad with the quality City possess I think you see a brave team today, a good team at times.
“If we perorm like we did today we’ll be hugely competitive.”
Parker also said his young team must draw on the experience of veterans Kyle Walker and Ashley Barnes.
“I’ve been here many times as a spectator, played here and managed here, and that game today I’ve seen it happen to a lot of teams. I was immensely proud. I stood in that technical area for 70 minutes and thought we looked every bit here. We’re showing some real signs.
“The experience starting with me, Kyle and Barnes, we need to be rational. Our egos are dented and some of them boys in there are bitterly disappointed. But I’ll break it down to them, an understanding of the positives and negatives.”