“Collapsed from within”: David Degen speaks clearly

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FC Basel is in crisis. One matchday before the end of the first half of the season, the club is in eleventh place in the Super League. The Bebbi have only won four league games, while three coaches have been on the sidelines since the start of the season. President David Degen was often used as a scapegoat. The club boss now speaks candidly in the football podcast ‘Anderi Liga’.

He had been ‘fighting with himself’ all year. In the stands he partially collapsed internally and wondered “what is happening here?” Degen compares the year to a “rollercoaster ride that doesn’t even exist in Europa-Park.” With highs such as reaching the semi-finals of the Conference League or the transfer proceeds of 55 million francs and lows, part of which would have gone “to the ground”. Personally, he often had a hard time: “I wouldn’t want to miss all the battles I’ve had with myself.”

“I am the one who suffers the most”

The current crisis at FCB makes things difficult for Degen: “We have made mistakes. I blame myself a lot. I am the one who suffers the most because I do not forgive myself.” The former professional is extremely self-critical: “Maybe I should have been more autocrat in certain situations and listened less to others.”

The transfer policy to bring in so many young foreign players was repeatedly criticized. Incomprehensible for Degen, because he sees the problems with other players: “We have also brought in players between the ages of 20 and 30, and they are currently showing the least consistent performance.” Degen is still very convinced of the young, talented players in the team.

Degen is enthusiastic about Jashari

The fact that we did not get our dream player Ardon Jashari (21) from Lucerne this summer still hurts today: “We absolutely needed him. But Lucerne wouldn’t give him up.’ He remains enthusiastic about Jashari, he is absolutely enthusiastic about his football and his character: “He is great. Someone who takes the scepter in his hand.” But now there is nothing to worry about; they have given up on Jashari.

And how does Degen assess Master YB’s current work? “When it comes to continuity and peace, YB is a role model,” the 40-year-old admits. Sports director Spycher is doing “an excellent job”. But in terms of philosophy and football, Degen wants to work differently than the Bernese. It is also clear to Degen that YB has benefited enormously from FCB’s situation since 2018.

Not at all taken into account when choosing a coach

Degen then announces details about the choice of new trainer Fabio Celestini (48). And surprise them. Because he wasn’t even there when the Swiss was elected. “That day I had an operation that I couldn’t postpone.” A committee then conducted the discussions. “This shows that the club is alive and that decisions can be made without me.” Nevertheless, he is 1000 percent behind Celestini. He has never seen a Swiss coach who works so meticulously and in detail. (bjl)

Source : Blick