Burnley appoint Fabio Celestini as head coach after Hayen exit
In brief
Championship side Burnley confirmed Fabio Celestini, who previously coached Basel and CSKA Moscow, as their head coach on 28 October 2026. The 50-year-old Swiss arrives 4 days after Nicky Hayen was sacked and inherits a team sitting 22nd with one league win in 12 games.
Burnley have turned to Swiss coach Fabio Celestini to lead their recovery. According to The Guardian and BBC Sport, the club officially confirmed the 50-year-old in the role on 28 October 2026, 4 days after parting company with Nicky Hayen. Celestini previously managed Basel and CSKA Moscow. The length of his deal has not been made public.
Celestini faces a difficult task. Relegated from the Premier League last season, Burnley have won just one of their 12 Championship matches and sit 22nd with 8 points (ScoreLab data). BBC Sport notes that the Clarets have gone more than a year without a home league victory.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| 2026/27 Championship games | 12 |
| Won-drawn-lost | 1-5-6 |
| Points / position | 8 pts / 22nd |
| Goals for-against | 17-25 |
| Home record (W-D-L) | 0-4-2 |
| 2025/26 Premier League | 22 pts from 38 games, 19th |
Source: ScoreLab data
Why was Nicky Hayen sacked?
Nicky Hayen was dismissed after Burnley were beaten 4-1 at Lincoln City on 24 October 2026. BBC Sport reported that his tenure lasted only 14 games. ScoreLab data shows the side's only league win of the campaign came on 10 October 2026, a 4-0 victory at Watford. A 2-2 draw with Charlton Athletic and defeats to Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1) and Lincoln (4-1) followed.
Burnley's struggles began before this season. The club finished the 2025/26 Premier League campaign 19th with 22 points from 38 games (4 wins, 10 draws, 24 defeats), according to ScoreLab data, and dropped into the second tier. The search for Hayen's successor was led by Diego López, who joined the club only days before Celestini was appointed. The Guardian describes López as chief football officer, while BBC Sport calls him director of football.
- 2025/26 season — Burnley finish 19th in the Premier League with 22 points and are relegated
- 10 October 2026 — 4-0 win at Watford, their only league victory of the season
- 24 October 2026 — 4-1 defeat at Lincoln City; Nicky Hayen sacked
- 28 October 2026 — Burnley announce Fabio Celestini's appointment
- 31 October 2026 — Burnley host Portsmouth
Who is Fabio Celestini?
Fabio Celestini is a former Switzerland international midfielder. BBC Sport says his playing days took him to Switzerland, France and Spain, with spells at Lausanne, Marseille, Levante and Getafe. Most of his coaching career has been spent in his home country. His biggest success came at Basel in 2024-25, when he won both the Swiss Super League and the Swiss Cup. He then won the Russian Super Cup with CSKA Moscow, his most recent club.
What did Burnley and Celestini say?
In their statement, Burnley stressed that Celestini has shown he can win and can adjust to different footballing cultures (The Guardian). The new head coach said he knew exactly what kind of situation he was walking into.
“I look at Burnley and I see a club with big potential and players with real quality, who can help us achieve our supporters' ambitions. I know the situation we are in, and I have lived it before.”
“Fabio brings the passion, experience and knowledge we were looking for. He showed extraordinary determination and conviction to come to Burnley.”
When is Celestini's first Burnley game?
Burnley's next league game under Celestini is at home to Portsmouth on 31 October 2026 (ScoreLab data). After that come away trips to Queens Park Rangers on 3 November 2026 and Cardiff City on 7 November 2026. Those three games should give an early indication of whether the new head coach can lift a side stuck in the relegation zone.
Sources
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Frequently asked questions
Who is Burnley's new head coach?
Burnley's new head coach is 50-year-old Swiss coach Fabio Celestini. The club announced his appointment on 28 October 2026.
Which clubs has Fabio Celestini managed?
Celestini has spent most of his coaching career in Switzerland. He won the league and cup double with Basel in 2024-25, and CSKA Moscow was his most recent club.
How long is Celestini's Burnley contract?
Burnley have not said how long the contract runs.
Where are Burnley in the Championship table?
Burnley are 22nd with 8 points from 12 games: 1 win, 5 draws and 6 defeats (ScoreLab data).
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This analysis was prepared by the ScoreLab Newsroom using the sources listed and ScoreLab data. Editorial policy