As Burnley prepares for the 2025/26 season, expectations remain modest following a tumultuous previous campaign. The primary goal at Turf Moor is clear: avoid a repeat of the disastrous 2023/24 season, where the team spent the entire year in the relegation zone and averaged only half a point per game until mid-March. New manager Scott Parker, who took over after the departure of Vincent Kompany, faces the challenging task of revitalizing the team.
During the 2023/24 season, Burnley struggled significantly, finishing at the bottom of the league table. Kompany’s strategy of replacing most of the title-winning squad with younger players backfired, resulting in a lack of cohesion and consistency. As Parker steps in, he aims to instill a sense of resilience and competitiveness, hoping to prevent the type of heavy defeats that marked his last managerial stint in the Premier League.
Parker’s Pragmatic Approach
Scott Parker’s coaching history includes successful promotions with Fulham and Bournemouth, but he encountered difficulties in maintaining top-tier status. His experience, combined with a brief tenure in Belgium, has prepared him for this critical season. Parker’s approach focuses on building a solid defense after Burnley conceded a staggering number of goals during their last Premier League campaign.
The team’s performance in the Championship was a notable improvement, finishing second and reaching the FA Cup fifth round. Josh Brownhill emerged as the club’s top scorer in all competitions, netting 18 goals. Parker’s challenge will be to maintain this momentum while addressing the defensive frailties that plagued the previous season.
Key Players and Lessons Learned
One standout player for Burnley this season is French centre-back Maxime Esteve. He joined the team in January 2024 and made a significant impact, showcasing his speed and tactical awareness. Esteve is expected to anchor the defense and potentially become the club’s record sale in the future. Parker’s strategy will hinge on players like Esteve, who can perform under pressure and help solidify the backline.
One of the crucial lessons from last year is to avoid a chaotic end to the summer transfer window. The club experienced a tumultuous period with ten first-team players departing in the final week of the 2024 transfer window, which forced a rapid and stressful reshaping of the squad. This year, Parker has already begun to integrate new talent, including the recent signing of Loum Tchaouna for £13 million, aiming to establish a more stable team.
The mood among supporters provides a mixed outlook. While some fans expressed a desire to remain in the Championship, where Burnley has enjoyed recent success, the majority are hopeful that Parker can lead the team to a more competitive standing in the Premier League. Fans are eager for familiar faces, as four players from last season’s loan agreements have signed permanent deals, fostering a sense of continuity.
Looking ahead, Joe Bauress, a promising midfielder and captain of the Under-21 team, is one to keep an eye on. Although he may initially go out on loan, his development could be crucial for Burnley’s future. Additionally, Hannibal Mejbri is expected to play a pivotal role in disrupting opponents, bringing a new level of energy to the midfield.
As the season unfolds, Burnley fans are cautiously optimistic. They have taken solace in the club’s ownership under Alan Pace, who has been a positive influence since his arrival. Supporters appreciate his enthusiasm and commitment to both the men’s and women’s teams, while expressing hope that Parker can exorcise the demons of their last Premier League experience.
The upcoming season is not without challenges, but with a renewed sense of purpose and a more pragmatic approach, Burnley aims to rise above the struggles of the past and establish itself once again in the Premier League.
