Burnley appoint ex-Basel boss Celestini as head coach

As a player, Fabio Celestini played for Marseille, Levante and Getafe [Burnley FC] Burnley have appointed Fabio Celestini as their new head coach, four days after the sacking of Nicky Hayen. The 50-year-old led FC Basel to a domestic double in 2024-25 in the Swiss Super League title and the Swiss Cup. But having mainly managed in Switzerland, Celestini was most recently in charge of CSKA Moscow, with whom he won the Russian Super Cup. "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," he said. "I know the situation we are in, and I have lived it before. Our supporters deserve to see a team playing with belief from the first whistle." Burnley appoint Lopez to lead Clarets search for new manager Hayen sacked by Burnley after just 14 games Burnley owners seek to lift strike-off notice Celestini arrives to take charge of a Clarets side who have started life back in the Championship poorly, having won just once in the league this season to leave them in 22nd position in the table. Their poor form stretches back to a torrid Premier League campaign last term, and the club are without a win at home in the league for over a year. Earlier this week, Diego Lopez was appointed as director of football and given the task of finding a new manager after Hayen left in the aftermath of Saturday's 4-1 defeat by Lincoln City. "Fabio brings the passion, experience and knowledge we were looking for," Lopez said. "He showed extraordinary determination and conviction to come to Burnley. "We want people who truly want to be here and help this club grow. Fabio is a clear example of that." Latest Burnley news, analysis and fan views Ask about Burnley - what do you want to know?