Who is Fabio Celestini? A closer look at Burnley’s potential Nicky Hayen replacement

Burnley are reportedly in advanced talks to appoint Swiss coach Fabio Celestini as their new manager following the dismissal of Nicky Hayen. Hayen was sacked after winning just one of 12 league games during a 106-day spell. Celestini has reportedly traveled to England alongside his coaching staff, and an appointment could potentially be finalized before Burnley's upcoming match against Portsmouth.

Celestini previously managed Lausanne-Sport, Lugano, Luzern, Sion, and Basel, leading Basel to a Swiss league and cup double. He most recently coached Russian club CSKA Moscow until May 2026. Known for structured, possession-based football typically utilizing a 4-2-3-1 formation, Celestini was capped 35 times as a player for Switzerland.