Burnley’s return to the Premier League has been anything but smooth, but summer signing Quilindschy Hartman is urging calm. The 23-year-old Dutch full-back, who joined from Feyenoord, has played every game so far and believes the Clarets’ tricky opening schedule is partly to blame for their position in the bottom three.
Scott Parker’s men sit 18th with four points from seven matches, leaving them with the worst start of the three promoted teams. It has raised concerns among supporters who still remember the miserable relegation under Vincent Kompany just two years ago. Yet Hartman has stressed that this time there is no sense of panic within the squad.
Speaking to De Telegraaf while on international duty with the Netherlands, Hartman said the group always expected an uphill battle early on. He insists Burnley are taking valuable lessons from their opening fixtures, which have already pitted them against some of the league’s most established clubs.
Hartman: “We knew the start would be difficult”
The full-back explained that facing elite opposition in the opening weeks has helped Burnley understand the levels required for survival.
“We knew in advance that the start in particular could be difficult. It’s a new team with a lot of new players. All the teams we play against are often four, five years together with the same trainer. We also understand that we have to get a little stuck in. I think it’s a good thing we’ve had all the top clubs right away. We were able to see what the level is. In the coming month we have matches in which we have to take points.” — Quilindschy Hartman, *De Telegraaf*
Burnley’s opponents so far have included Aston Villa, Manchester City, Liverpool, Manchester United and Tottenham. Their solitary win came against Sunderland, while narrow late defeats to Liverpool and United have underlined both their competitiveness and their inexperience.
Personal progress and team positives
Hartman remains upbeat, highlighting the squad’s resilience and Parker’s tactical tweaks that have made the side more defensively solid compared to Kompany’s relegated version.
“Personally, I think I started well. As a team, too, but we’ve had a tricky schedule. There is a good atmosphere. Every game we have been competitive, and we have had a goal against us twice in the last minute, against Liverpool and United. All in all, I am satisfied with how it went personally, as a team we would have liked a few more points, but there are enough positives to stick to.” — Quilindschy Hartman
Stats snapshot – Quilindschy Hartman 2025/26
| Stat (2025/26) | Hartman |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 7 |
| Assists | 2 |
| Key passes per game | 1.1 |
| Pass accuracy | 77% |
| Interceptions per game | 1.6 |
| Tackles per game | 2.0 |
| Balls recovered per game | 2.1 |
source: sofascore match data – 6 October 2025
The numbers show Hartman has been one of Burnley’s most consistent performers, balancing defensive duties with creativity from wide areas. His two assists and reliable ball recovery underline why he has quickly become a key figure.
Analyst verdict: A test of patience
FootballPlace analyst John William believes Burnley’s situation demands perspective:
“Promoted clubs often face daunting starts, and Burnley’s early run of fixtures was arguably the toughest of the lot. Hartman is right — the atmosphere remains positive, and the team has shown it can compete. The key will be converting close games into results once the schedule eases.”
Key insights
- Burnley have four points from seven games, sitting 18th.
- Quilindschy Hartman has played every game, recording two assists.
- The defender believes early fixtures against top clubs explain the poor start.
- Narrow late defeats to Liverpool and Manchester United prove their competitiveness.
- Scott Parker’s side are more defensively organised than under Kompany.
What’s next for Burnley?
The Clarets now enter a run of games against mid-table rivals and fellow strugglers, where results will matter most. Matches against the likes of Leeds United and Wolves in October could define the trajectory of their season.
With Hartman and other new recruits bedding in, Burnley will hope patience pays off and that the lessons from their brutal opening run set them up for survival.
👉 Do you think Burnley will avoid relegation this time, or are early warning signs too strong to ignore?
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