Hayen Revives Burnley Squad After International Break

Burnley manager Nicky Hayen said his squad returned from the extended international break with a positive mindset on October 9, 2026, as the Clarets prepare to face Watford in the Championship and try to end a winless run stretching into the new season. According to BBC Radio Lancashire, Burnley have not won this season and missed a chance to secure a victory before the break after conceding a late equalizer against Derby last month. The club's poor form has continued from last season, with Burnley now 23 games without a 90 minute win since defeating Crystal Palace in February, according to the report.

Hayen said several players returned from international duty after positive experiences with their national teams and he wants that energy to influence the squad.

"What was positive was that players were playing in the international break for their national team and had positive and successful experiences. They came back with a different mindset, with lots of energy and positivity and this is also something that I have to bring into the team." said Nicky Hayen, Burnley head coach. Burnley were relegated from the Premier League after a 13 game winless run at the end of last season, a sequence that has carried into the 2026-27 Championship campaign.

Hayen said the team must focus on future results rather than continue discussing previous setbacks. "From now we just have to look forward and of course we can talk about but it won't help us towards the future so this has to be a new episode for us starting from Saturday," said Nicky Hayen, Burnley head coach.

He added that the international break provided time for the squad to work together, including players returning after positive experiences away from the club. Hayen also said the mood inside the team changed after a friendly match against League Two side Oldham Athletic during the break. "We played a friendly game and you saw already that the mindset is changing and that there's another vibe and that's the only thing we need," said Nicky Hayen, Burnley head coach.

Burnley will host Watford on Saturday at 15:00 BST as they look to move away from the bottom of the Championship table, according to the report.