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Parker on transfers, player turnover and Premier League challenges

Parker on transfers, player turnover and Premier League challenges

BBC News2 days ago
Burnley boss Scott Parker has been speaking to the media before Saturday's Premier League game against Tottenham at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (kick-off 15:00 BST).Here are the key lines from his news conference:Parker confirmed there were "no new injury concerns", adding: "We have had a good pre-season. Picked up a couple of little niggles along the way but we are in a good place."He feels it has been "positive" and "crucial" bringing in players with Premier League experience, stating: "For the balance of the squad going into the season, we have signed players who have been in the division and understand what it looks like. It's a young squad, last year it was and this year it is, a young squad in terms of being in this league, but these players we have brought in are crucial for us."The Burnley boss acknowledged there are "areas we are looking at" but that "transfer windows bring their challenges" and there are "lots of factors and variables" that go into who they can sign. He added: "We have a big squad at the moment so no doubt some will be leaving, but over the next two weeks we will be trying to do more [business]."On trying to establish the club back in the Premier League: "The challenges for teams coming up is big. It has been well documented in recent years that they are very demanding challenges. But, we worked tirelessly for this past year. I feel like we built something fundamental in this group that is a bedrock for us and put us in this position. We are going to try and give the best version of ourselves."Parker said in an "ideal world you don't want a big turnover of players" but that is what relegations and promotions can bring. He added: "That is the constant rollercoaster. In an ideal world you don't want that and you want continuity. But what gets that is securing Premier League football and staying there. My job is to get the best out of players, build on what we had from last year and build culture for what is expected of new players coming in."On their readiness for the season: "We are in a good place. We have worked hard. I've put lots of demands on the team. But, you never know in this position until the season starts [how ready you are], and when it gets going you are always improving."Catch up on all of Thursday's Premier League news conferences and the rest of the day's football news
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