Class reunion of the FCZ champions: “Willy, we are waiting for you!”

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That this year’s Bayern Munich champion team will meet again sometime in the future to reminisce about common memories? Hardly after the 12th league title in Munich in a row. After sensational titles, things are different: the 1993 champions recently met again in the old town of Aarau.

Today’s group game at the U21 European Championship between Switzerland and Italy offers a preview of future FCZ class reunions. A year ago, Becir Omeragic (21), Bledian Krasniqi (22) and Willy Gnonto (19) stood on the balcony above Helvetia Square to celebrate the title with the fans. According to Krasniqi, these were “incredible experiences”.

‘Willy was the best at Leeds’

He and Omeragic kept in touch with Gnonto after his Premier League move to Leeds United. “We see each other regularly. When it was clear that he would come to the U21 European Championship after the A-Nati, I wrote to him: Willy, we are waiting for you! » said Omeragic. The two stars of the U21 national team were particularly impressed by how quickly Gnonto gained a foothold in the best league in the world. Krasniqi says: «In the beginning it was said that Willy needed time. But then he was immediately a regular player. I’ve seen a few games against the top teams and I have to say Willy was the best in Leeds.”

And how was he at FCZ, Willy? The two Swiss grin before Omeragic says: “It was always fun with him. The other players in Zurich thought we had particularly big heads. That’s why Willy and I were constantly teasing each other about who had the biggest head. But one thing is clear: there is a lot in a big head.” Yes, Gnonto was actually intelligent, according to Krasniqi: “When I first met him after my return from Wil, he had already been with FCZ for a year. I spoke to him in English, but he immediately replied that I had to speak German. Although he had only been in Zurich for a year at the time, he spoke it almost perfectly.”

Switzerland needs to improve

On the sporting front, Premier League professional Gnonto is just one example of what our U21 side can expect in the second group game. In addition to Gnonto, the small “Squadra Azzurra” plays calibers such as Sandro Tonali, who moves from AC Milan to Newcastle for 70 million. Or the defensive mega talent Giorgio Scalvini, who is being hunted by the European top clubs. “We have to perform better than in the opening game against Norway if we want to get something against Italy,” says Omeragic.

For the future Montpellier defender, there should be a direct duel with Gnonto on the flank. Omeragic is looking forward to it: «I know his tricks, but also his weaknesses. Let’s see who does it better. We will definitely hug after the game, we have become friends at FCZ.”

Source : Blick