Parker Highlights Defensive Values as Crucial to Burnley’s Progress

Scott Parker has overseen nine wins from 18 games in all competitions as Burnley boss. Burnley’s recent improvement in form is a testament to their defensive principles, according to manager Scott Parker. The Clarets achieved a 2-0 victory against managerless Coventry City at Turf Moor on Tuesday, a result that propelled them into the automatic promotion positions in the Championship. Parker’s squad is now level on points with third-placed Sunderland but has surpassed them on goal difference. This is largely due to their impressive defensive record, having conceded only six goals in 17 games, which is the best defensive performance across England’s top four divisions. “I’ve been around some time managing and coaching teams. Fundamentally this team have got some core values and they give you a foundation to win games, really,” he told BBC Radio Lancashire. “I don’t just put it down to the back five, I put it down to the whole team. If you’re a striker in this team or a winger in this team, in certain moments we defend as a whole unit and you can see that very clearly.” The Clarets experienced a period of poor form throughout October and into early November, during which they went four games without a win. A goalless draw at West Bromwich Albion left them four points adrift of the top two spots. Since then, they have achieved three consecutive wins and, including the match at The Hawthorns, have recorded four successive clean sheets. “It gives you a foundation and platform in a game,” Parker added. “Did I expect the solidness that we have? Maybe not, but in saying that in the same breath I do because there’s certain things installed in this group that they’re taking on board and I understand it really.” He continued, “To a man, the starting XI and the subs coming on, we all understand their roles and responsibilities in their position and I think you’re seeing that.”