Burnley vs Derby County: A Must-Win Clash for the Clarets
Burnley boss Nicky Hayen has labelled Saturday’s Championship clash with Derby County a “must-win game” as the Clarets look to haul themselves off the bottom of the table – but they will have to do it without injured midfielder Aaron Ramsey.
Ramsey blow for struggling Clarets
Hayen confirmed Ramsey faces around six weeks out with a hamstring problem, another setback for a squad already stretched and searching for its first league victory of the season.
“Aaron Ramsey is out for six weeks with his hamstring so it's another one on the list but we have to look for solutions. It is a pull on his hamstring,” Hayen told BBC Radio Lancashire.
Burnley have not celebrated a league win since beating Crystal Palace in the Premier League back in February. Relegation, a bruising summer reset and a winless start in the Championship have left the club anchored to the foot of the table and desperate for a spark.
Hayen knows exactly what Saturday represents.
“This is a must-win game, we are waiting a long time and everyone is craving for this win. We just need the spark to change the situation and a win is the best solution for that,” he said.
Fans restless, manager defiant
The Belgian head coach did not shy away from the mood around Turf Moor. The frustration is real, the patience thin. He hears it, but he refuses to be consumed by it.
“It's a must win for everyone, the fans, players and management – I understand their (supporters') frustration that they are upset and annoyed, so I accept it but it's not how I am thinking. I want to change this as quick as possible.”
The message is clear: pressure, yes. Panic, no.
‘Mini pre-season’ on the horizon
Hayen also revealed that Burnley will use the upcoming three-week international break to reset both physically and mentally, with plans for an overseas training camp already in motion.
“It's a perfect break, a mini pre-season for us again – the players will have running programmes and we are looking at organising a training camp abroad to stay 24 hours a day together to learn about each other on and off the pitch and get a really good team,” he said.
“We are creating and building a team – we are changing things and this is the belief that everyone still has.”
For now, though, all roads lead to Derby. Bottom of the Championship, key midfielder sidelined, supporters demanding a response – Hayen has called it a must-win. On Saturday, his players have to prove they heard him.
