Full Breakdown
Burnley appoint Fabio Celestini as head coach amid Championship slump
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Appointment of a new head coach
On October 28, 2026 Burnley announced the hiring of former Switzerland midfielder Fabio Celestini as head coach, four days after the club dismissed Nicky Hayen following a 4-1 defeat at Lincoln City that left the Clarets 22nd in the Championship. Celestini’s first match will be the home league game against Portsmouth on October 31, 2026. Contract length has not been disclosed.
02
Recent performance and league position
Burnley have recorded only one win from 12 league games (8 points, -8 goal difference). Recent results:
- 19 Sep – 1-1 draw vs Derby County
- 10 Oct – 0-4 win at Watford
- 13 Oct – 2-2 draw vs Charlton Athletic
- 16 Oct – 1-2 loss vs Wolverhampton Wanderers
- 24 Oct – 4-1 loss at Lincoln City
The team has scored 17 goals, conceded 25, and kept one clean sheet. Their last home league victory was on October 18, 2025 against Leeds United.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Background of Fabio Celestini
Celestini, 50, earned 35 caps for Switzerland and played in France and Spain. His managerial résumé includes spells at Swiss clubs Lugano, Luzern, Sion, a league-and-cup double with FC Basel in 2024-25, and a Russian Super Cup win with CSKA Moscow before leaving in May 2025.
04
Data & statistics
- League position: 22nd (Championship)
- Record: 1 W 5 D 6 L (12 games)
- Goal difference: -8 (17 scored, 25 conceded)
- Home win drought: over a year (last win 18 Oct 2025)
05
Conflicting reports & gaps
Sources differ on the total number of matches Hayen oversaw: some cite 12 league games, others 14 total fixtures before his dismissal. The club has not released details of Celestini’s contract length or backroom staff plans.
06
What’s next
Burnley’s immediate schedule:
- October 31, 2026 – vs Portsmouth (home)
- November 3, 2026 – at Queens Park Rangers
- November 7, 2026 – at Cardiff City
- November 22, 2026 – vs Blackburn Rovers (home)
The new head coach will need to turn recent draws into wins to lift the Clarets out of the relegation zone.
07
Verbatim quotes
- “Fabio brings the passion, experience and knowledge we were looking for. He showed extraordinary determination and conviction to come to Burnley.” — Diego López
- “We wanted someone with deep experience in recruitment and player development, a strong knowledge of European markets and a clear understanding of how those come together to strengthen a club.” — Alan Pace, club chairman
- “I am eager to start exploring the great potential of this club.” — Diego Lopez