Burgess interviewed for Accrington programme
League Two is known more for an attritional style of play than free-flowing football.
But Paul Cook has been encouraging his side to pass their way to promotion this season – and the results have, so far, been positive.
Pompey are unbeaten after five League Two matches this term, collecting 11 points from a possible 15.
And defender Christian Burgess has revelled in the opportunity to show off his attacking prowess since signing for the Blues over the summer.
“It’s really enjoyable to be able to play the way we do – to get on the ball and try some ambitious passes, rather than simply get it and give it,” he says in the official matchday magazine for Saturday’s clash with Accrington.
“It can be really effective because sides don’t really expect me or Clarkey to run with the ball and they’re not sure who they should be picking up. It stops us becoming too predictable.
“That’s the way I’ve always liked to play and some clubs encourage it more than others, but the gaffer here certainly likes it and I feel it can help us open other teams up.
“First and foremost, my job is to defend and keep goals out, but you have to be comfortable on the ball as a centre-half these days and I enjoy trying to build from the back.”
Read the full interview – where Burgess also discusses his unique off-field interests – by picking up a copy of the programme from sellers around Fratton Park on Saturday.
Also in issue five, Enda Stevens dishes the dirt on his team-mates and Matt Clarke selects his dream team.
We take an in-depth look at Accrington before delving into the Pompey archives to take a walk down memory lane.
There are also exclusive columns from chairman Iain McInnes, manager Paul Cook and skipper Michael Doyle.
All this and much, much more in a packed 84 pages is available for just £3.