Celestini on FCB’s whereabouts: “If we are relegated, I can go home”

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Fabio Celestini, why did you extend your contract?
Fabio Celestini: It was always clear to me that I wanted to stay in Basel for the long term. But I am a coach who first wants to show what he can do. That is why, when I took office in October, I insisted on a contract until the summer. Those responsible have now let me know several times that they are convinced of me and certainly want to continue working with me.

Why now and not two weeks ago?
Despite the less good sporting results of the past two weeks, I still feel the confidence of the sports committee. For me, a contract extension in this situation is worth much more than when you just become champion.

So you wouldn’t have signed if FCB had won ten times in a row for the last time?
I can’t say that. But maybe I have adjusted my contract details a bit (laughs).

Is there a clause in your contract if FCB were to be relegated?
We are here in Basel. If we get relegated from the Super League, I can go home.

What is your relationship with Chairman of the Board of Directors David Degen?
David is a man with a lot of energy and passion. Not everyone can handle that. But for me that’s not a problem. He is always very transparent. If you give him good arguments in a discussion, he will be the first to agree with you.

You are the sixth coach in the Degen era. Have those responsible at FCB now understood that consistency is needed in the coaching position?
If you want to be successful, you need to have a vision with a coach. But it also requires patience, as it may take some time before you see the results.

It has been heard that you will only extend your contract if you can play for titles at FCB in time.
It will also take patience on my part. We may not be playing for the championship title next season. But I am confident that we will be successful again in Basel. Albeit in a different way.

What do you mean?
Championship title, automatic participation in the Champions League, 15 million guaranteed additional income. That was the rhythm of FCB. Today the situation is different. Even as champions, strong opponents await in Champions League qualifying. A lot has also changed in the competition. FCB used to be clearly the best team in Switzerland. Now YB and Servette are there, sometimes also FCZ or St. Gallen. That’s why the path to success is different today. With less money, but with young, own players. And it takes a lot of cleverness.

Have you made any other demands on David Degen?
More positivity. He is sometimes a bit too critical, even when we have won a match. It is important that as president he gives positive energy to his employees and his team.

How did you experience the fuss surrounding Taulant Xhaka?
I didn’t really notice it much.

But have you spoken to him?
Yes, the Monday before the incident. His attitude is fantastic. He understands the situation and does not demand to be used in every game. I treat Tauli with the respect a club legend like him deserves. We have a great relationship.

Taulant Xhaka’s statements leave a lot of room for interpretation. Have you received an order from David Degen to stop using Xhaka?
Tauli started twice in the matches against GC and Lausanne. If there had been such orders from above, I would hardly have gotten a new contract (laughs).

This interview was recorded as part of a media round.

Source : Blick