Burnley appoint Fabio Celestini after dismissing Hayen

Burnley have appointed Fabio Celestini as head coach after dismissing Nicky Hayen, with the former Basel and CSKA Moscow manager set to lead the team against Portsmouth on Saturday. The club confirmed Celestini’s appointment on October 28. He takes over after Hayen’s departure following Burnley’s 4-1 defeat away to Lincoln City. The club announcement did not give details of Celestini’s contract or coaching staff. The Burnley Express reported, citing its understanding, that at least two backroom staff members would join him. Celestini’s first match is scheduled to be Burnley’s home Championship fixture against Portsmouth at Turf Moor. The match preview described Burnley as 22nd in the table and Portsmouth as 11th. Its prediction of a draw was a forecast, not a reported result. Burnley’s poor league position and home form are challenges for the new coach. The team had not won a home league match since beating Leeds United in the top flight on October 18, 2025. It had drawn four and lost two of its six Championship home games this season, according to the preview. Burnley also entered the weekend with 25 goals conceded, a total described as joint-worst in the division. Celestini,...