It was so crazy for FC Zurich on this Sunday afternoon in Basel. The team created great chances to score and outnumbered the leader, but ended up with no points – again. Two weeks ago against the Young Boys, the Zurich team were at eye level for a long time and in the end suffered a clear defeat.

André Breitenreiter did not run out of skin. The FCZ trainer is reminiscent of a patient teacher who sees potential and enjoys the path that should lead to the goal. He speaks of the development process with a smile, locates the two main problems of his teams in the individual mistakes that still occur too often and in the insufficient efficiency.

“But that’s not bad because we learn from it,” assures the German. He has an inquisitive team. In training, they are busy solving problems, such as hitting the goal in pressure situations. There are little things that don’t go as planned. But it is precisely those details that decide on points, especially against opponents like YB or FCB.

Attractive and brave

After the duels against the currently best of the Super League, Basel, Young Boys and Servette, with only one point as a result, it can be said that a lot is right at FC Zurich. But it is not enough to be at the forefront. That can change quickly because the people of Zurich bring a lot with them to get the process, as Breitenreiter calls it, over and done with quickly and successfully.

“A great mentality” attests the new coach to his players, who have scored points after falling behind several times this season and never threw in the towel against FC Basel. Even after the 0: 2 they continued to attack and hit the connection before they were thrown back to their own corner by a carelessness.

Breitenreiter states that his team was not rewarded for what was shown, for the “great game” over 90 minutes. But they would play attractive football that makes it difficult for their opponents. His players were brave, sometimes very, very brave, he notes. Judging by the expression on his face, that’s half a criticism, half a compliment.

It is clear that the former Bundesliga coach has taken his new team into his heart and sees himself on the right path, even if after the flawless start to the season only two points jumped out of four games.