Burnley vs Derby: A Must-Win Game for Nicky Hayen

Burnley boss Nicky Hayen has called Saturday’s clash with Derby County a “must-win game” as the Championship’s bottom club searches desperately for a first league victory of the season – and their first in any league since February.

They will have to do it without Aaron Ramsey.

The midfielder has been ruled out for six weeks with a hamstring injury, another blow to a squad already straining under the weight of a long winless run.

“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 three points in a league fixture since beating Crystal Palace in the Premier League eight months ago. Relegation followed, confidence drained, and the new campaign has opened with the club rooted to the foot of the Championship table.

Must-Win Game

Hayen is under no illusions about the stakes at Turf Moor this weekend.

“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.

The language is stark. The mood around the club has been tense for weeks, and Hayen knows exactly where the frustration is coming from.

“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.”

Hayen is trying to pull the club out of its spiral by tightening the bonds inside the dressing room. With a three-week international break on the horizon, he has already mapped out a plan to reset the group.

“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 explained.

For the Belgian, this is not just about tactics or systems. It is about rebuilding something more fundamental.

“We are creating and building a team – we are changing things and this is the belief that everyone still has.”

Derby at home, then a training camp abroad, and a fanbase demanding answers. Burnley’s season may be only weeks old, but Hayen has already drawn his line in the sand.