Max Alleyne opens up on Burnley’s slow start to the season

Max Alleyne says it’s on the players to take “accountability” for Burnley’s slow start to the season as they go in search of a long-overdue victory.

The Clarets take on Middlesbrough tonight looking to issue a big reaction to Saturday’s 4-1 horror show at Norwich City.

Nicky Hayen’s side are currently second from bottom in the Championship table, having taken just one point from their opening three league games.

“Sometimes as players, we have to take accountability,” Alleyne said. “As a back unit, we haven't been good enough. We've conceded nine goals in three games and that's not the manager's fault.

“That's mistakes and little things like that, so I think we have to take accountability. We have to do more and go from there.”

The 21-year-old, on loan at Burnley from Manchester City, added: “I think the main thing we need to show [against Middlesbrough] is that fight, that desire and I think the supporters deserve that.

“They need to see that so that they can support and give us energy in return, so I think that's the number one thing on our list to show.”

It comes after angry scenes greeted the final whistle at Carrow Road at the weekend following a dismal display in Norfolk.

Individual defensive mistakes saw the Clarets trail by two goals after just five minutes, while they were three down with 21 on the clock.

“It was a combination,” Alleyne said. “There were individual mistakes as well as unit mistakes, but we just weren't good enough.

“If we don't run as far as them, as much as them, we're going to really struggle. That’s the message from everyone, from the manager, from the players, I think we just need to show that passion, that desire.”

Burnley have an opportunity to put that right at Turf Moor tonight, but also on Saturday when they host Bristol City.

With a clear hangover from last season, Burnley are still searching for their first win of any kind in 90 minutes since February.

Their last home win in the league, meanwhile, came back in October 2025.

“For me, I think games twice a week is a chance to put it right and a chance to show what we can really do,” Alleyne explained.

“I think there's different ways to improve as well. Whether it's on the pitch, on the training pitch or playing games or in the meeting rooms, so I think there's a benefit to having a lot of games and the next one comes around very quickly.

“Middlesbrough is going to be a big test. They're probably going to keep the ball better than any other team we've played so far. They really love the ball and are going to attack and they've got good players, so it's a test.

“It's a good test, though. It shows where we are and will show us what we need to improve.”