Nicky Hayen has conceded that Burnley were not clinical enough after the Clarets suffered a 3-1 defeat, with the head coach pointing to a familiar failing: surrendering momentum at the wrong moments.

Hayen's verdict: efficiency the problem

Speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire after the final whistle on 12 September, Hayen was candid in his assessment. "We were not efficient enough," he said, in remarks reported by the broadcaster. The Belgian suggested that Burnley had periods in the match where they were competitive, but that they allowed the opposition to seize the initiative at key junctures.

The defeat extends what has been a turbulent period for the club. Burnley have been under the spotlight all season, with Hayen already fielding questions about the team's performances since they opened their Championship campaign. A 3-1 reverse does little to ease the pressure building around Turf Moor.

Momentum lost, goals conceded

According to the Radio Lancashire report, Hayen's primary concern was the manner in which his side allowed their opponents to build confidence during the match. Burnley, it is understood, were in a position to influence proceedings but were unable to translate that into the kind of efficiency in front of goal that a side fighting for results in the second tier needs.

Conceding three goals will be a particular source of frustration for a head coach who has repeatedly stressed the importance of defensive organisation. Burnley have shown in recent weeks that they are capable of competing, drawing 1-1 with Middlesbrough at the Riverside, but converting competitiveness into points has proved elusive.

The bigger picture for Burnley

This latest setback raises fresh questions about Burnley's direction in the Championship. The Clarets have quality in their squad, the January arrival of Jamie Vardy having split opinion among supporters, and the head coach has publicly called on his players to show character in the face of adversity. That character was not sufficiently on display here, by Hayen's own admission.

Burnley currently find themselves among the lower reaches of the Championship table, and further defeats of this nature will only deepen concern among a fanbase that expected a strong push following relegation from the top flight. The gap between expectation and output is a conversation that is growing louder in east Lancashire.

What next for the Clarets?

Hayen will be acutely aware that time is not unlimited. The Championship is unforgiving, and the margins between a run of form and a deeper crisis are fine. The head coach, however, appears to retain the belief that the issues are correctable, pointing to efficiency and concentration at key moments rather than any fundamental structural failure.

Whether the players can produce an immediate response will be closely watched. Burnley's next fixture will be viewed as a must-improve occasion, if not quite a must-win, with supporters and observers alike looking for signs that Hayen's message is landing in the dressing room.

For now, the Clarets head coach has at least been refreshingly honest in front of the microphone. The harder task is finding a remedy on the training pitch before the next opportunity arrives.

Frequently asked

What did Nicky Hayen say after Burnley's 3-1 defeat?
Hayen admitted that Burnley were not efficient enough and that his side gave away the momentum during the match, speaking to BBC Radio Lancashire after the game.
Where are Burnley in the Championship table?
Burnley are currently towards the lower end of the Championship table, with this 3-1 defeat adding to a difficult run of results for the Clarets.
Is Nicky Hayen under pressure at Burnley?
Hayen has faced mounting scrutiny following a series of below-par results, with supporters and pundits questioning the team's form and direction in the Championship.