Baumeister Jurendic – FC Zurich: How the problem child became the master favorite – Sport
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Almost a year ago, the reality of the FCZ was a relegation battle. Now you seem to be well on the way to the championship title.
no ifbut want The question is that FC Zurich will collapse now. That’s the tenor around the Super League; both after the second (and probably final) takeover of the table lead on the 14th matchday as well as during the winter break. In the meantime, these prophecies of doom have become much quieter, sometimes even silent.
FCZ have not lost in the league since September 26, 2021, when they lost 3-1 away to Basel. 15 unbeaten games followed, 12 of which were won. The previous masterpiece succeeded on Sunday in the “classic” with the well-deserved victory over Basel. It was not even a year ago that Zurich narrowly escaped the relegation battle. How did this team become the number one title contender in such a short amount of time?
Next to trainer André Breitenreiter, Marinko Jurendic is the builder of success. The head of sport has made the change, with unexpectedly rapid success: “We have had 28 personnel changes since last summer,” says the 44-year-old. In August 2020, shortly before the start of the season, he was promoted from U21 coach to head of sport. In October he brought on two players, Fidan Aliti and Ousmane Doumbia, who have become pillars of the team.
With the horror of the relegation battle in the back of his mind, Jurendic also made unpopular decisions after the past season. For example, the contract with veteran Marco Schönbächler was not extended. “Certain decisions seem courageous at first, but we are now happy that we stand behind them,” explains Jurendic.
The statements of the trained upper school teacher in the interview build on the same basis as the game of his team: The team is in the foreground. “It was a stable structure with the whole staff, the Canepas have a very clear idea of where the journey with the FCZ should go,” emphasizes Jurendic. This clear idea is also clearly reflected on the field.
3 games in 11 days
The lead of FCZ over pursuer YB is a whopping 10 points. In the next few days it will be a matter of preserving this cushion until the direct duel on March 19th, maybe even expanding it. Within 11 days, Zurich will be in action against Lucerne, Lausanne and St. Gallen between March 2nd and 12th.
If the Zurich team maintain their clear game concept, their team spirit and their passion during this phase, the question then becomes “when” and not “if”. Namely, want the FCZ has to reserve the Helvetiaplatz for the championship celebration – and not if.