Burnley Suffers 1-0 Friendly Defeat at Stoke Amid Double Header Disruptions

Burnley manager Scott Parker expressed disappointment following their 1-0 friendly defeat to Stoke City, highlighting a poor performance and frustration with the referee's decisions, including two arguably undeserved yellow cards. The Clarets had planned a double-header of friendlies but had to cancel the Sheffield Wednesday match due to the opposition's player strike over unpaid wages; instead, they held an in-house game at their training ground to ensure all players got match minutes. Parker split his squad across these two fixtures to maximize playing time as the Premier League season approaches, emphasizing the importance of fitness and tactical preparation despite the setbacks. While acknowledging the challenges and a tired squad, Parker remained positive about the overall minutes gained and the progress made in pre-season. Burnley is looking forward to their upcoming fixtures, including a match against Lazio, and the season opener against Tottenham Hotspur, underscoring their focus on continued improvement and readiness for the Premier League campaign. The situation reflects the club's adaptability amid unforeseen circumstances and their commitment to preparing thoroughly for the season ahead.