History lesson haunts Zürich
Friday, February 9, 2007
Article summary
Leaders FC Zürich will be wary of history repeating itself when they take on neighbours Grasshopper-Club as the season resumes in Switzerland this weekend.
Article body
Soothing news
Eight points clear at the top of the table after the autumn campaign, Zürich coach Lucien Favre might have been tempted to relax after the transfer window closed on 31 January, with none of his international stars - Blerim Dzemaili, Xavier Margairaz and Gökhan Inler - making widely-predicted moves elsewhere. "I was confident no one would leave during the winter break," said Favre. "It was an important signal for the rest of the team."
Worrying precedent
With his much-vaunted midfield still in place, a repeat of last term's championship success could seem a formality. But Zürich would do well to remember that FC Basel 1893 had a similar lead at the summit this time last year, only to lose their way and be pipped to the title on the last day thanks to Iulian Filipescu's 93rd-minute goal for Zürich at Basel.
Zürich strengthen
Having strengthened - rather than weakened - with the signings of Brazilian forward Francileudo Santos (Toulouse FC) and Italian goalkeeper Andrea Guatelli (Portsmouth FC), Favre's men do look on course for a successful defence of their crown, even if the coach remains cautious. "Although we have an eight-point lead, I expect an exciting finish to the championship," he said.
Silver medal
Perhaps the main intrigue will come in the battle for second spot and entry to the 2007/08 UEFA Cup. FC Sion occupy that position despite going through three coaches in the autumn. They recruited African defenders Obinna Nwaneri and Jamel Alioui in the winter, while also managing to hold on to Austria striker Sanel Kuljic. Led by former Switzerland and VfB Stuttgart coach Rolf Fringer, FC St. Gallen are the surprise package in third, level on points with Sion. They are a point above Grasshoppers and two clear of Basel and fellow big-spenders BSC Young Boys.
Surprise contenders
Having lost Bruno Berner to Blackburn Rovers FC and Zdravko Kuzmanovic to ACF Fiorentina during the recess, Basel made just one addition in centre-back François Marque from second-tier FC Baulmes. It could be a sign of the times at St. Jakob-Park after the club refused coach Christian Gross's request to sign Swiss international Ricardo Cabanas from 1. FC Köln. It might also be enough to keep the title in Zurich.
