class=”sc-cffd1e67-0 iQNQmc”>
In the 80th minute the first Basel fans had had enough. After FCB is apparently still hopelessly down 0-2 in the cup quarter-finals against Lugano, the first spectators leave the Joggeli – and thus miss Basel’s great comeback.
But while the FCB fans leave too early, double goal scorer Thierno Barry (21) arrives too late. Not only during the match, but also during team training in the morning. That’s why FCB coach Fabio Celestini quickly removed the in-form striker from the Cup starting XI. The same fate befell Renato Veiga (20), who was also late.
“We are a team and we have rules. “It is especially important to stick to this on race day,” says Celestini, explaining his decision. Instead of Barry, the Basel coach initially relies on Albian Ajeti (26) in attack. But the winter newcomer is a total failure in his starting XI debut. Celestini stops his experiment during the break. Ajeti and Kacuri remain in the dressing room, Barry and Veiga are allowed to join a little later.
Celestini doesn’t regret thinking about it
It was mainly Barry who provided FCB with extra time with his two goals in the final phase. First he catches Lugano goalkeeper Saipi with a powerful low shot into the near corner. Just seconds later, the Frenchman doubled when he headed Beney’s cross over the line. And then causes a stir with his cheers. Because he copies ex-FCB player Granit Xhaka (31). He feigned injury after scoring a goal for Leverkusen in the Bundesliga last weekend – Barry is doing the same. Because Lugano still closes the bag in the penalty shootout, the big Basel happy ending does not occur.
But from FCB’s perspective, would things have been different if Celestini had shown mercy and not benched Barry? “I am not convinced whether we would have played better in the first half,” says the Basel coach. In fact, Celestini believes the class was partly responsible for Barry’s strong performance.
“Absolutely,” Celestini answers when asked whether, looking back, he would make the exact same decision again. For the Lausanne resident, the issue has been resolved. “You’re still young and you make mistakes. The most important thing is that they learn from it now,” says Celestini.
Basel’s European dreams are fading
After the quarter-final exit, Basel’s hopes of qualifying for the international competition via the cup were also dashed. If FCB wants to play in Europe next season, they have to make it to the Champions Group now.
For the last eight games, the gap to sixth place is six points. A win at home against Lausanne-Sport next weekend is essential. If neither is delayed again in the coming days, Barry and Veiga will be back in the starting line-up.
Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
