Only baskets for Kloten sports director Mitchell: Doesn’t any Swiss goalkeeper want to go to Kloten?

From the start, Mitchell emphasized that this dual mandate was only a temporary solution. But sporting success takes away some of the pressure associated with having to present a new and perfect coach as quickly as possible. “I still believe we don’t want to rush anything, we just want to find the right coach,” Mitchell said.

It shouldn’t be an emergency nail

The German-Canadian is using the week of the national team’s break to refine the list of candidates and filter out those who fit the profile created. The 56-year-old now knows Swiss hockey better than a year ago and knows what he is looking for. However, he would prefer a solution that extends beyond this season and not just an emergency coach. “Simply adding a coach at this stage can also create uncertainty within the team,” he explains.

Mitchell has found a good balance in his dual role: “In the morning I am the coach at the ice rink, in the afternoon I am the sports director in the office.” This created a clear separation. His main focus now is on this coaching quest. And what are the next priorities? “Swiss player.” Above all, actually a goalkeeper. It is known that the Finn Juha Metsola (34) is returning to his home country (to Tampere). And Sandro Zurkirchen (33) extended his contract for one season at the end of November.

Who rejected Kloten?

“I was more than open to going into next season with two Swiss goalkeepers,” said Mitchell. But? “I notice that the chance to become a potential number one in Kloten does not seem attractive.” The remorseful undertone cannot be ignored. The reason for this is the withdrawal of several Swiss goalkeepers. Mitchell would not comment further on the subject.

But within the goalkeeping family it is no secret who could have been a problem for Kloten. Gilles Senn (27, Davos), who prefers a move to Ambri. Luca Hollenstein (23, Zug), who received the offer from HCD. And apparently a commitment was also considered for the currently injured Philip Wüthrich (25), who usually leads a shadowy existence as a substitute at SCB and still has a contract for another season. Mitchell does not comment on these names.

But he cannot hide his disappointment, “now it only comes down to a foreign goalkeeper.” But Kloten’s sports director can still look for a mercenary for this position.