Burnley have appointed Fabio Celestini as their new head coach. The appointment came four days after the sacking of Nicky Hayen, with Burnley having won just once in the Championship this season and sitting 22nd in the table.
How the appointment followed change at the club
Earlier, 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. Details of Celestini's contract have not been disclosed by the club.
Celestini's recent record
Celestini, 50, led FC Basel to a domestic double in 2024-25, winning the Swiss Super League title and the Swiss Cup. He was most recently in charge of CSKA Moscow, with whom he won the Russian Super Cup. Celestini left CSKA by mutual agreement in May after 11 months with the Russian Premier League side.
What Celestini and Lopez said
Celestini said: "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."
Celestini 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."
Lopez said: "Fabio brings the passion, experience and knowledge we were looking for."
Lopez said: "He showed extraordinary determination and conviction to come to Burnley."
Lopez said: "We want people who truly want to be here and help this club grow. Fabio is a clear example of that."