Supplier of points and millions: Winti frame reveals its recipe for success

One thing is clear: in terms of the division of the competition after 33 rounds, FCW is a top contender for the championship round. And that goes against all financial logic. With 13.4 million francs (transfermarkt.ch), FCW has the team with the lowest market value.

The formula for success at the Schützenwiese is the selection that has been cleverly put together by sports director Oliver Kaiser. And with Patrick Frame, a coach who has been getting the most out of the player material since his arrival last summer. And he did so consistently: despite four defeats in a row in November, Framework continued to stick to his attacking football. The 54-year-old told Blick: “If we had constantly encountered counter-attacks from the opponent, we would have had to change something. An offensive attitude does not preclude good defense. We paid for the lesson, but basically stuck to our playing style. The developments so far have proven us right and we will continue to work on certain shortages in the future.”

Rain of money for FC Basel

Not only the team, but also the players are improving. In January, Winterthur sold a player for the first time for a seven-figure sum, Samuel Ballet (for 1.8 million to Como). And this despite the fact that Ballet was still a follower last season and at times there was even talk of a departure. The sturdy winger has developed excellently under the frame and has gone from a player for the gallery to an efficient goalscorer. The Winti team includes Sayfallah Ltaief and Randy Schneider, other former problem cases turned top performers.

This is reminiscent of Frame’s almost twelve months as head coach at FC Basel. Club owner David Degen wanted to get rid of offensive artists Cabral and Edon Zhegrova in the summer of 2021. Because there was a lack of belief that a lot of money could still be made from the problem children of that time (overweight, prone to injuries, lethargy). Frame took care of the duo. Six months later, Fiorentina (Cabral) and Lille (Zhegrova) put together 25 million – essential for the financially struggling FCB.

Problem children become multi-million dollar transfers

Problem children become multi-million dollar transfers. This is how Frame explains his recipe for excitement: “The individual examination of the different characters, needs and motives takes time, but is worth it. Players who feel understood and know their role in the team structure realize their potential much better. Even if there is criticism from outside, the boys should always feel that they have the support of the coaching staff, so that confidence in the team grows.

Coaches who reliably score points and at the same time increase the market value of the players? Are sought after in a training competition like the Super League. Winterthur would like to extend the framework contract, which runs until 2025, and separate discussions have already taken place. But: Because the coaching job at YB is likely to become vacant in the summer, there could be a seat change within the league. Frame proved he can hold his own on a bigger stage at FCB – to this day, he is statistically the best coach since Urs Fischer.

Should we prepare for the departure of the next successful coach after Alex Frei and Bruno Berner at the Schützenwiese? Frame told Blick: “I feel very comfortable with FCW and am happy with the progress of the team and the club. In life you have to appreciate what you have – and in Winterthur that is a lot.”