Rafa Benitez thinks Burnley’s run in the Europa League has had an adverse effect on their Premier League display.
Sean Dyche’s side has been a shadow of the team which finished seventh last season. The Clarets made all their way to the Europa League playoffs but couldn’t get past a stringent Olympiacos as they failed to earn a place in the Europa League main round.
The hectic fixtures of the European tournament may have taken a toll on their Premier League plans as they looked a completely different side altogether this time. With only 9 points in their kitty from the first 12 matches, they are clearly struggling to match the intensity this term.
Benitez said, “I have had this experience (of Europe) and it is quite difficult to manage, but you have to adapt.
“Burnley are a strong team at home and maybe it is because they have had a difficult run against some top teams.
“Sean Dyche did a great job last season and I think he is quite a strong character. They will want to get three points against us because we are close in the table and the pressure is more or less the same.”
