safc.com caught up with on-loan Manchester City man Jason Denayer earlier today.
The Belgium international reflected on last night’s defeat at Turf Moor, reviewed his progress on Wearside and looked ahead to Saturday’s Premier League match-up with West Bromwich Albion.
Jason let’s start by looking back in last night’s Emirates FA Cup exit at Burnley, what was your overall take on the game?
JD: “It’s very disappointing to have lost the game and to be out of the cup. Unfortunately, there is nothing we can do about it now – that’s the way of the cup – but we need to stay focussed and concentrate all our energy on winning in the Premier League.”
Could having that sole focus turn out to be a blessing in disguise?
JD: “Perhaps. We have a lot of players who are currently out injured and that’s very difficult for the team. After we play West Brom on Saturday we don’t have a game for over a week, so maybe that gives some of the other players a chance to come back. We need every member of the team.”
How tough have those injuries been on the players who are fit? You’re practically having to play every game and we can’t make too many changes…
JD: “It’s not easy and it can be challenging physically, but as a footballer you want to play every game so this isn’t something I can complain about. Like I said before we need everyone fit and ready to play, but whoever is selected will give their all.”
You’ve pinched my next question – you came here to play games and you are playing regularly, which is key to your development?
JD: “Of course, it’s important for me to be playing regular football, especially in the Premier League. I need a lot of games to develop and gain valuable experience, so like I said I’m happy to be playing a lot of games.”
A return to Premier League action on Saturday at West Bromwich Albion and I'm sure you're expecting another tough game?
JD: “It is going to be a difficult game away from home because they’re a very good team. That said we won’t go there looking for anything other than a win because we need the points. We want to win and we will do everything we can to do that.”
We went to Bournemouth for a similar game earlier in the season and managed to scrap our way to a win against the odds. Is it just a case of winning any way we can and building some momentum this weekend?
JD: “We want to play our game but it is difficult for us at the momemt. We didn’t do that against Burnley last night so we need to find a way of returning to how we played against Liverpool, as they’re a top team and we matched them, and we could have come away with three points.”
