Burnley vs Derby: A Must-Win Championship Clash

Burnley boss Nicky Hayen has called Saturday’s Championship clash with Derby County a “must-win game” as the pressure deepens on the league’s bottom club – and he will have to chase that first victory without injured midfielder Aaron Ramsey.

Ramsey has been ruled out for around six weeks after suffering a hamstring problem, adding to an already growing injury list.

“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 are still searching for their first win of the Championship season and have not tasted league victory of any kind since beating Crystal Palace in the Premier League back in February. The wait has turned Saturday’s home game into a line-in-the-sand moment.

“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,” Hayen said.

The message is as much for the stands as it is for the dressing room. Burnley’s support has watched the slide with growing anger.

“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 rut with more than just words. With a three-week international break looming, the Belgian has already mapped out a plan to reset his squad.

“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.

That camp is designed to harden bonds and sharpen edges in a group still adjusting after relegation and a turbulent year.

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

First, though, comes Derby at Turf Moor. For Hayen and Burnley, belief now has to meet results.