This is how Jorge’s companions mourn: ‘You had the feeling that he was talking with his snout’

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“There were two different Arthur Jorge. When I was alone with him, he often laughed and joked. But as soon as the team or journalists were present, he became uncomfortable and seemed withdrawn. Why was that so? It is possible that his health at the time, after his brain surgery, was not yet good enough to fulfill this role as national coach.

Looking back, I can understand why many people felt he was a lunatic. He just should have communicated more openly. Also when he left Alain Sutter and Adrian Knup behind him at the 1996 European Championship. At one point he asked me: what happens if I take them both with me, but don’t let them play? I told him that wouldn’t go well. Then he just said: Then I’d rather leave her at home. I supported this decision at the time, but I did say that he had to communicate this clearly. But the way he then communicated it to the players and the media was a disaster. He didn’t explain to anyone that the two didn’t fit his playing philosophy, but simply said he would do it without Sutter and Knup. He did not even inform the National Party delegate in advance.

Years later, when he was coaching CSKA Moscow, I met him again. He was a completely different person than when he was national coach. He hugged me and we had exciting and funny discussions. Artur was a nice man and – even though some people couldn’t believe it at the time – he had a lot of knowledge about football.”

Hans-Peter Zaugg (71) was assistant to Nati coach Artur Jorge in 1996. Today, Zaugg is the sports director of FC Solothurn.

“I still remember the day the bomb exploded. Shortly before the 1996 European Championship, the press conference for the team announcement was held at the Grand Hotel Dolder in Zurich. I was sent there as a young radio reporter because the legendary Fredy Hunkeler, who mainly looked after the national team, could not go. So I was deployed and witnessed Artur Jorge announce that Sutter and Knup would not be nominated for the European Championships. The younger fans may not have that on their minds, but if icon Alain Sutter wasn’t on the roster, it was like Granit Xhaka had to stay home today. Jorge and the national team, that was ultimately a misunderstanding. Also because his public appearances – he spoke hardly any English and no German at all – left the public somewhat bewildered. When you had an interview with him you felt like he was talking with his mouth, he was so introspective. I met him once years later and he was a different person. Very talkative and with funny memories of his time in Switzerland.”

Sascha Ruefer (52) joined Swiss Radio DRS in 1995 and was the youngest live commentator to report on the European Football Championship in England.

«I have good memories of Arthur Jorge. He brought a completely different mentality to the national team. While Roy Hodgson wanted to dictate and decide everything, Jorge was completely different. He saw us as responsible professionals who did not have to tell everything. Jorge was someone who worried about almost everything there was. If someone wasn’t in shape, he didn’t play. Basta. Whatever his name was. The Portuguese were certainly not diplomats. However, it was very difficult for him because everyone – players and officials – was still focused on Hodgson, even though he was long gone. So he never got a real chance.”

Kubilay “Kubi” Türkyilmaz (56) played 62 times for the Swiss national team and scored 34 goals. His penalty goal against England at Wembley in the 1996 European Championship will never be forgotten.

“Sincere condolences to the heartbroken family of Artur Jorge. I will remember him appropriately. As national coach and successor to Roy Hodgson, it was not an easy time for him. He had ideas that not everyone could handle equally well. But when you look at his career, you can only take off your hat: Artur was able to celebrate great successes. The minute of mourning before the match between Sporting and YB completes the circle.”

Stéphane Chapuisat (54) played 103 international matches for Switzerland and scored 21 goals. With the national team he qualified for the 1994 World Cup, the 1996 European Championship and the 2004 European Championship.

Personally, I have good memories of him. I was a young defender when he arrived. I had just discovered abroad, in Hamburg, and he let me play, with him I really started as a starter in the Swiss team. Under him I won the European Championship in 1996. I think what worked against him was his lack of knowledge of Swiss football and the fact that he was not often in the country. This lack of knowledge led to him not choosing Adrian Knup and Alain Sutter. It is true that the relationship between Switzerland and him was never smooth. Things were going well within the team, but the people around him on the staff did not necessarily help him with his work. Ultimately we can say that it was a casting error that ended up there.

He was very human, very friendly, very calm. I remember a long conversation with him in Lugano, where we were at a training camp, where he was interested in the young player and the man I was. I am not surprised that he has the label of a humanistic trainer, I have been able to verify it myself. I felt like he liked me and that gave me confidence.

I’m a little sad that he had this photo in Switzerland and left this memory. In my opinion, I have a good impression of him, even though I am aware that he could be called a casting error. »

Stéphane Henchoz (49) wore the Nati jersey 72 times and played at the 1996 and 2004 European Championships.

Source : Blick