“DiDomenico never really felt comfortable here”

Before SC Bern’s third bankruptcy against Ajoie (2:3 aet) this season, Blick had revealed that SCB and Chris DiDomenico (34) had prematurely terminated the top scorer’s contract at the end of the season. After the game, sports director Andrew Ebbett managed to make a statement. “It’s not a big story,” the Canadian tries to soothe. “DiDo and I have spoken several times in recent weeks. He didn’t feel very well. He has asked for his contract to be terminated early. We came to the conclusion that it was best for both parties.”

The season has been “very frustrating for everyone so far,” Ebbett continued. “I don’t think he ever really felt comfortable here. Fine. Sometimes things don’t work out the way you’d like.” The termination of the contract costs SCB nothing, the 40-year-old explains. “We didn’t go to him and say: we don’t want you anymore.”

When asked why they didn’t wait until the end of the season to make the decision to part ways, Ebbett replied: “Chris wanted clarity. He would like to stay in Switzerland, the import places here are limited and running out quickly. And For me, I don’t want any player in the team next season who isn’t 100% comfortable.”

“Do we want these discussions next season?”

The former champion striker of SCB is convinced that DiDomenico will fully commit to the end. «DiDo is a professional. He is a competitive man, he gives everything. Occasionally he probably wants a little too much,” he says. “He also knows that we still have a chance to make something of this season. But we need wins. We stand with our backs against the wall. We have two games left to qualify for the pre-playoff. Nobody knows what’s going on there.”

Ebbett admits he was not always pleased with the performance and behavior of his top scorer, who often extended his assignments on his own. “I’m not happy with a lot of people in our dressing room. No one at SCB is happy with our current situation. I’m not happy with myself either. We’re in 9th place,” he says. “But it’s not like we be mad at DiDo or he is mad at us.”

He also does not hide the fact that he and coach Toni Söderholm have repeatedly raised the criticisms with his wayward compatriot. “We also asked ourselves: do we want to have these discussions again next season? We’ve decided to go our separate ways.”

It never seems to be quiet in Bern: ex-NHL striker Sven Bärtschi (now injured) recently made headlines when Söderholm banned him from the stands for lack of fitness. Then rumors spread that Söderholm would jump in the summer. And now the DiDo divorce. “I’d rather talk about the games too,” says Ebbett anguished. Real? SCB have lost seven of their last nine games. Only the last games in Langnau and against the ZSC Lions remain to secure a place in the pre-playoffs.

Source : Blick