FC Zurich relies on Franco Foda
The 56-year-old German follows compatriot André Breitenreiter in Zurich. “A perfect match for FCZ,” says President Canepa.
Franco Foda brings international experience to Zurich.
Photo: Keystone
On May 22, FCZ received the championship trophy in Letzigrund, two days later it was official: coach André Breitenreiter leaves Zurich, after an excellent season his wish to return to the Bundesliga was fulfilled, he signed a contract with Hoffenheim.
So the master set off in search of a new boss who should inherit the extremely popular German. Now that the search is over, two days before the first team training session of the new season, FCZ has again signed a contract with a German: Franco Foda. The 56-year-old has signed a two-year contract with the champions.
Foda meets Canepa’s requirements “perfectly”
They were looking for a coach with extensive international experience, President Ancillo Canepa said during the presentation of his new coach on Wednesday afternoon. When looking for a coach, the people in charge looked “very closely” to see if the candidate would fit in with the FCZ. And the president adds: “Franco Foda is a perfect match for us.”
The trainer himself is looking forward to his job in Switzerland. He wanted to continue working in German-speaking countries. How does the new coach want to play football? Stable defense – and flexibility are important to him. “Try different game systems.” The German also praised the preliminary work of his compatriot André Breitenreiter. He left the “perfect foundation” on which he now wants to build successfully.
The 56-year-old was coach of the Austrian national team until the end of March, and in the fall of 2017 he took over from Marcel Koller. Foda led the team to Euro 2021 and there to the knockout stage, which only ended in extra time in the 1/8 finals after a heroic fight against possible European champions, Italy. However, Austria failed to qualify for the World Cup in Qatar, so Foda announced his departure after losing the playoffs semi-final to Wales. So the 48th international friendly against Scotland on March 29 this year became his last. His longtime assistants Thomas Kristl and Imre Szabics also come to Zurich from Foda.
As a player in FCB
Foda started his coaching career at Sturma Graz, where he played before. In 2010, he won the cup, a year later he became the champion, which the club has failed since then. After staying in Kaiserslautern in the 2012/13 season, he returned to Graz in autumn 2014, where he worked until he was lured by the national team.
As a footballer, Foda left his mark, especially at home. He played for Kaiserslautern, Bielefeld, Saarbrücken, Leverkusen, Stuttgart and won the DFB Cup twice before going abroad. In early 1997, Foda, who made two appearances for Germany, moved to FC Basel where he only stayed six months and played 13 matches before moving to Sturm Graz. He celebrated two league titles and a cup win there – and stayed with the club after his retirement.
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Foda: “The areas of responsibility are slightly different. I’m looking forward to the daily work right now, to have a match every weekend. ”
Jurendic: “The situation is still open to him. We expect him to return from the national team on June 19. Then we’ll see. “
Jurendic: “It’s important to strengthen the core of the team and we’ve done it. We have several departures that need to be compensated. But our focus is on the Super League »
Canepa intervenes: “We’re not planning a Champions League team, we’re focusing on the Super League.”
Foda: «FCZ has already started planning the squad. Now I’m getting to that. In the coming days and weeks we will see which squad will be available for us next season. ”
Canepa: “We also wanted to gain experience at an international level. We looked very carefully to see if Franco would suit us. And yes, it fits perfectly with FCZ. “
Foda: “Switzerland is a great country, Zurich is a great city, the quality of life is high.” It was also important to Fody that she was “German”.
Foda: «I haven’t thought about it. André Breitenreiter did an excellent job and left a good foundation. I think maybe with one or two roster changes, we can be successful next season. The joy is very great, even if it will not be an easy task. »
The trio is now answering questions from current journalists.
“The interviews convinced me from the very beginning. From the very beginning, I had the feeling that we would be successful together. We will do everything we can to write successful chapters. ” I also thank the presidential couple and sports director Jurendic.
“Personally, I am very pleased that we have managed to recruit an FCZ coach who is an experienced but also a real team player. It can continue our path at a high level. “
President Canepa introduces his new coach Franco Foda. In addition to the CV, Canepa provides information about the coaching team. Foda takes his coaching team to FCZ, which also supported him during his game for the Austrian national team.
Franco Foda replaces André Breitenreiter at FC Zurich.
From 4 p.m. President Canepa, sporting director Jurendic and of course the new coach Franco Foda will speak.
It’s nice that you are following the presentation of the new FCZ trainer with us.
Who will replace André Breitenreiter at the Swiss champions? This question must be answered at 4:00 p.m. Then the presentation of the new coach begins in Letzigrund in Zurich. President Ancillo Canepa and Sports Director Marinko Jurendic are also present. The above performance is shown live. You can also read the trio’s most important statements in the info bar.
We are curious who will ensure success on the sidelines with the champions in the future.
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