FC Basel, the reigning champions, are facing increasing scrutiny as they struggle to find form. Former players Blerim Dzemaili and Pascal Zuberbühler have publicly criticized the club’s sporting management following a recent 3-0 defeat to St. Gallen, while offering support for head coach Stephan Lichtsteiner.
Key Takeaways
- Pascal Zuberbühler delivered a scathing critique of FC Basel’s leadership, particularly sporting director Daniel Stucki.
- Blerim Dzemaili urged patience with Stephan Lichtsteiner, emphasizing the need for time to adjust.
- Zuberbühler believes Lichtsteiner’s public criticism of the team was a misstep.
Basel’s recent form has been concerning, with the loss to St. Gallen coming on the heels of a narrow victory against Grasshopper Club. The team is under pressure to regain its footing as it navigates a challenging stretch of the season.
During a discussion on the football talk show Heimspiel, Dzemaili and Zuberbühler voiced their support for Lichtsteiner, acknowledging his recent appointment and the challenges he faces. “He’s a young coach. He will still learn a lot, it’s a learning process,” Zuberbühler stated.
“Stucki Still Has a Lot to Learn”
Yet, Zuberbühler didn’t hold back when addressing the club’s management, specifically targeting sporting director Daniel Stucki. He questioned the timing of the recent coaching change, calling it “a no-go for me. An own goal.”
Zuberbühler further criticized Stucki’s leadership style, referencing a previous incident at Salzburg. “In Salzburg, he sawed Magnin’s legs off in public in front of the camera. You can’t do that….” He added, “He is not long in the role of sporting director, he still has a lot to learn.”
Zuberbühler also expressed his dissatisfaction with the club’s transfer policy, questioning the decision to allow Kade to abandon. “The situation with Kade didn’t sit well with me. Why didn’t they try to keep him and at least use him in the games against Copenhagen? I didn’t understand that.”
Significant Adjustment Period
Dzemaili acknowledged the need for the club to react to its struggles but stressed the importance of patience. “I think it’s good to bring in a young coach. But you have to provide him time. Right now, he feels the pressure, and that doesn’t do him any good.”
Lichtsteiner arrived at Basel from the 1. Liga Classic, marking his first professional coaching position. He previously managed Wettswil-Bonstetten. Dzemaili highlighted the significant adjustment Lichtsteiner is facing. “In the 1st League, everyone looks up to you, you are Stephan Lichtsteiner. They do everything you say. But it’s different in the professional world. He has to make the players better so that they also look up to him.” According to the 39-year-old, Lichtsteiner also needs to fully transition from his playing career.
“He is incredibly emotional,” Dzemaili noted, having known Lichtsteiner well from their time together in the national team. He added that Lichtsteiner’s publicly harsh criticism of his team was a mistake. “He will learn from it,” Zuberbühler and Dzemaili agreed.
