Burnley boss Jackie Bachteler opens up on sepsis battle

Burnley women's manager Jackie Bachteler is preparing for her first match in the dugout at Turf Moor this Sunday. It will be an emotional milestone for the 37-year-old, who was fighting for her life just nine months ago after being diagnosed with sepsis.

The American coach joined the club in December 2025, but only three weeks later, she was rushed to the hospital. Bachteler recalls a morning at the training ground when she felt dizzy and struggled to breathe, prompting her to alert the club's medical staff immediately.

I knew something was wrong. I just had this feeling in my body like 'this is it'. Jackie Bachteler

After being diagnosed with sepsis, her condition deteriorated rapidly in the hospital, requiring intensive care. Her recovery has been a long and difficult process, involving relearning how to walk and managing post-sepsis syndrome, which still causes fatigue and dizzy spells today. Despite these ongoing challenges, she returned to her role in July.

This Sunday's match against Sunderland in the Women's Super League 2 aligns with World Sepsis Day. Bachteler hopes that sharing her experience will help others recognize the signs of the condition, which she describes as a "silent killer."

The near-death experience has provided Bachteler with a new perspective on her football career. She emphasizes that while her commitment to her team remains strong, the health crisis has helped her keep the pressures of the sport in perspective, with the focus now on gratitude and awareness.