Burnley make key managerial decision ahead of crucial Portsmouth showdown at Turf Moor
Pompey travel to Burnley in the Championship this Saturday.
Burnley have confirmed the appointment of Fabio Celestini as their new head coach ahead of Saturday’s Championship encounter with Pompey.
The Swiss has been the man chosen by newly-named chief of football Diego Lopez as Nicky Hayen’s successor in the Turf Moor hot-seat.
Burnley confirm key appointment ahead of Pompey
Burnley have since moved quickly to bring in Celestini, who is now expected to be in the dugout against John Mousinho’s troops this weekend.
The 50-year-old had been out of work since May after departing CSKA, who he guided to the Russian Super Cup in 2025.
He also spent time in charge of FC Basel and led them to their first Swiss Super League in eight years along with a Swiss Cup.
But Celestini now faces a huge challenge of avoiding relegation with Burnley, who have had a disastrous start to the campaign.
The Clarets currently occupy a place in the Championship bottom three after claiming just one win in their opening 12 matches since their Premier League relegation.
The Swiss coach is well aware of the situation his new side are in, but believes their is ‘big potential’ in the Turf Moor outfit.
New Burnley boss aware of worrying Championship situation
He told the club website: ‘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.
‘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.’
Celestini’s arrival was led by newly-appointed chief of football Lopez, who arrived at Turf Moor on Monday.
The Spaniard will oversee the Clarets’ football operations, recruitment and sporting structure and moved to Lancashire after joining from Serie A side Genoa.
And the 37-year-old, who was tasked with appointing a new head coach as his first task with Burnley, is excited by Celestini’s arrival.
He added: ‘Fabio brings the passion, experience and knowledge we were looking for. 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.’
Pompey travel to Lancashire on Saturday in strong form, which has seen them climb to within two points of the play-offs.
Burnley, however, have gone a full year without securing a home win in the league, with their last success on home soil a 2-0 win over Leeds United on October 18 2025 in the Premier League.
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