Dyche claims patience will be a virtue for Burnley

Sean Dyche knows Burnley may not always win the possession battle but has urged his side to stay patient as they try to win the Premier League war this season.

The Clarets romped to the Championship title last season, becoming masters of breaking down teams set up defensively to guarantee a return to the top tier at the first time of asking.

In the Premier League however they are likely to face opposition who keep possession for long spells and manager Dyche admits his troops will need to work hard off the ball to combat that.

(Photo by Justin Setterfield/Getty Images)

But as the Clarets attempt to spend more than just a sole season in the Premier League for the first time, the 45-year-old insists his men are relishing the fight ahead.

“The thing I’ve learned from pre-season is that the players are ready – they want the challenge, we all want the challenge again,” said Dyche.

“We didn’t go through what we went through last season to not want to be in the Premier League.

“I think there is a thirst for them and a desire. But there’s a reality as well because they know it’s going to be a big challenge but they’re ready for it.

“The idea of staying focused and concentrating and the fans staying patient is an important one.

“Teams in the Premier League keep the ball and they don’t always threaten the goal with it. There’s a different kind of format in the Premier League – you have to stay in there, work without the ball to get your chance to go and create a goal.

“Not all sides but a lot of sides, especially at their home, play with that format of keeping possession so it’s important to remind the players that can happen.”