[ad_1]
FC Basel missed the Europa League group stage for the second time in the last three years. Image: keystone
Stocker complains about the lack of quality in the FCB squad, and now threatens a large liquidation
Disappointment was written on Valentin Stocker’s face. The FCB captain went from one television station to another. The 31-year-old veteran tried everywhere to explain why his team lost 3-1 despite a 1-0 lead against CSKA Sofia and thus wasted Europa League qualification for the second time in three years.
In each of his interviews, Stocker spoke of a lack of enthusiasm for playing, a lack of ideas, and a lack of ease. “We urgently need to see that we can get out of there. We have to be prepared in our heads and score this game as soon as possible. Now it’s important that we finally win the championship and get there, ”Stocker preached in front of the television cameras.
Only with “Blue” did the captain look a little deeper into the life of the soul. Stocker spoke of a process that had divided the team for the past three years and the lack of quality at FC Basel. Also, the joy in the square is no longer there. Happy reproaches!
Coach Ciriaco Sforza was forced to calm things down at the post-match press conference. “I can see there is joy in training,” countered his captain, adding: “After this defeat, everyone has to question whether they gave their best for the club.” Regarding the quality of the squad, Sforza said: “Now it is useless to complain. Right now we have the players who are here. “
The great sale threatens
But will all these players be in Basel in four days? The international transfer window remains open until October 5 and after missing the first goal of the season, there could be some exits. Defense chief Omar Alderete is said to be a problem at Lazio Roma and Hertha BSC, Eray Cömert had already piqued the interest of Galatasaray Istanbul in the spring and striker Arthur Cabral’s name is high on some scout lists in Europe.
Alderete (left) and Cömert, which of you is still in Basel next week? Image: keystone
A win against Sofia would not only have helped put together a case for the biggest players to stay. After all, they could have recommended themselves for higher tasks on the international stage. Qualification for the Europa League would have given FC Basel, which had to report a loss of almost 20 million Swiss francs for 2019 in June, also financially. He would have earned at least six million regardless of sporting success in the Europa League. Now the FCB only receives a solidarity payment of 840,000 euros for the three qualifying rounds. Little for the club with financial problems.
The Basel European Cup could also affect Swiss football. In the UEFA five-year ranking of nations, Switzerland recently fell to 17th place and is now dependent on the successes of the Young Boys of Bern. FCB’s successor as series champion was the only Super League representative to qualify for a European group stage.
Greetings in the neighboring country: Austria still has four teams in international competition with Salzburg, LASK, Rapid and Wolfsberg. Image: keystone
This makes it difficult to beat nations like Austria, Denmark, Scotland, Greece, the Czech Republic or Croatia. Unlike Switzerland, the toughest competitors for a place in the top 15, with the exception of Denmark (Midtjylland in the Champions League) have several active representatives of the European Cup in their ranks. (pre)
