Burnley co-owner JJ Watt says the club is “prepared” for Premier League relegation but has praised manager Vincent Kompany and the Clarets’ loan signings during the January transfer window.
Kompany’s side are seven points shy of safety after winning three of their first 24 top-flight matches following their promotion as Championship winners in 2022/23.
Forward David Fofana, who scored twice to salvage a 2-2 draw against Fulham on February 3, has arrived on loan alongside defenders Lorenz Assignon and Maxime Esteve.
“We got a few good loans in this transfer window with Esteve, Assignon and Fofana,” NFL icon Watt told CBS Sports Golazo.
“We’re doing everything we can do to stay up. We’re going to fight our hardest and do our best.”
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Burnley are winless in six matches in all competitions and have won one of their last 11, although they performed respectably against Premier League leaders Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday, drawing level shortly before half-time on their way to a 3-1 defeat.
Reds defender Andy Robertson said the quality the visitors displayed had left him surprised at their position in the table, but Watt knows it will be against the odds if Burnley escape relegation.
“You don’t ever want to prepare for it but, realistically, it’s irresponsible if you don’t,” he acknowledged.
“We’re prepared for that situation, we’ve talked about all those things. If the situation does arise, we will be prepared for it and prepared to try to bounce back up very quickly.”
JJ Watt: Burnley’s Kompany ‘brilliant’
Kompany’s stock remains high after guiding Burnley to a runaway promotion in his first season as a manager in England.
Watt said he has had a personal insight into the Belgian’s work, having spent time with the Manchester City legend at Turf Moor.
“Some of my favourite times, I was sitting in the dressing room with Vince talking football,” explained Watt.
“Just truly talking through the tactics, the mentality, the motivation. He is truly brilliant at that, so he’s been a fun part of my job.”
