Mike Jackson on Burnley's defeat to Leeds and 'shock' of Scott Parker's departure
Mike Jackson felt the “shock” Burnley’s players experienced following Scott Parker’s departure was on show during their defeat to Leeds United.
The caretaker boss got off to a losing start in his second interim spell at Turf Moor, having been given the reins just a day after the club opted to part ways with Parker.
Despite the change in the dugout, it was a similar result and performance from the Clarets, who went down to a 3-1 defeat at Elland Road.
“I knew this game could probably go one or two ways with what's happened in the last 24 hours,” Jackson said.
“I think it's been a big shock to the group in terms of Scott leaving and the relationship he had with the players. I think it knocked them a little bit.
“We didn't start the game very well, we let them get on top of us. We were untidy in that first 25 minutes.
“We grew a little bit into it at the back end of the first half, and I thought we started the second half quite well.
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“But then, like I said, there's no dressing it up – I always try and be honest with you – I think we cannot make those errors that we make that lead to goals, at this level or at any level, so that's something that's disappointing.
“I think there were some good performances after that, but the biggest thing for me is, as a group and as a team, we can't wait for the game to go against us to then get going.
“I think that's been a situation for a while now, but I think that comes with where we have been in the league. Obviously that confidence and just that little bit of courage to be able to get on the ball, sometimes it leaves you.”
Opening up on just how difficult the last day and a half has been, Jackson added: “Yes I can’t lie, it's been difficult, but I'm not going to make excuses about that.
“I think the big thing for me with Scott leaving, he was a really close friend and a guy who handled himself unbelievably throughout the year. His dignity and the way he dealt with himself, and I've got full admiration for that, so it did hit that hard.
“But this is the job we're in, and for the players, we need to be better.”
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