Burnley women's manager Bachteler returns after sepsis battle
Burnley women's team manager Jackie Bachteler will be in the dugout for the first time on Sunday, nine months after being diagnosed with sepsis. The 37-year-old was rushed to hospital in December 2025 and feared for her life. She has recovered but still suffers from post-sepsis symptoms.
Bachteler's hospitalization was complicated by isolation—her American family could not travel, and her wife was stranded in Finland by a snowstorm. She spent days in intensive care, receiving continuous blood testing and organ monitoring, and required assistance for basic tasks like using the bathroom. The experience forced her to confront her own mortality and reshaped her outlook on life.
She returned to Burnley in July as women's team manager, though recovery remains incomplete. Post-sepsis syndrome still triggers dizzy spells and extreme fatigue, and a recent pre-season friendly left her unwell in the heat. Sunday's match against Sunderland marks her dugout return and falls on World Sepsis Day, adding symbolic weight to her comeback.
This story could raise public awareness of sepsis, a condition that can strike suddenly and escalate rapidly, particularly among younger, otherwise healthy individuals. Bachteler's experience may encourage others to trust their instincts when feeling unwell and to advocate for thorough medical checks. Her openness about lingering post-sepsis symptoms could also foster greater understanding of long recovery processes, potentially benefiting patients, employers, and healthcare providers navigating similar situations.