Nicky Hayen makes 'must-win' Burnley admission just seven games into the season

Just seven games into the season, Nicky Hayen has already described Burnley’s next fixture as “must win”.

It comes after the Clarets continued their nightmare start to the campaign with a 3-1 defeat to Swansea City on Saturday.

It’s a result that saw them drop to the foot of the Championship table, having yet to win a game this season.

It sets up a big game with Derby County at Turf Moor next weekend, in what is their final fixture before the three-week international break.

John Eustace’s Rams are also struggling, sitting inside the bottom three alongside Burnley and Preston North End.

“We have to win this game,” the under-pressure Hayen said following Saturday’s latest setback at Swansea.

“Even today and before today there were no excuses. I told you already a lot of reasons.

We miss a lot of players. We have a new signing who doesn't have the fitness yet, what we already want.

“I didn't lie a few weeks ago when I said we have to survive until the international break where we can work really properly.

“Unfortunately, with surviving I mean also that you have to win games and take points as much as possible. This is what we didn't manage. Then it becomes a difficult period.

“But again, it's a must-win on Saturday.”

Given his continued emphasis on the upcoming international break, Hayen was then asked what he realistically expects to change during that time off.

“We had the pre-season in the United States where I came in,” the Belgian explained.

“It was actually a game, recovery, travel. We came back and then you have two-and-a-half weeks before the Championship.

“Of course, a lot of players left during that pre-season. A lot of new players came in and we didn't have the time because we played eight games in three weeks.

“It's a game, recovery, tactical day and then another game. Working on the principles is not there, but you see that we are growing.

“You only have to reward yourself with a win because this is the only thing we miss for confidence. One win because you see really good moments, but then an individual mistake breaks down the confidence again.

“I don't say desperate because that's not the right word, but everyone is craving for victory because this will change a lot for us. We have to feel that feeling again from a win.

“Of course, we try to do it every week, but again, it's the last game before the international break and now it's already a must-win.”