FCZ have had a turbulent few weeks. Although the start to the season has been successful, there are discussions about coach Ricardo Moniz's treatment of his players. However, the club management is fully behind the Dutchman, as Head of Sport Milos Malenovic explains to blue Sport.
No time? blue News summarizes for you
- Ricardo Moniz is successful at FC Zurich with his tough approach, but also attracts critics.
- blue Sport expert Admir Mehmedi says: "I find the way he deals with the players questionable."
- Labinot Bajrami no longer has a future at FCZ under Moniz. The talented striker is now moving to Winterthur on loan.
Two weeks have passed since the "umbrella scandal" in the Cup. However, the umbrella thrown by Labinot Bejrami's father at FCZ coach Ricardo Moniz - in reaction to the young striker's substitution and substitution within 18 minutes - is still a big topic.
Before the game against Luzern (1:1), the Dutch coach made it clear that there was no future for Bajrami at FC Zurich under his leadership. According to FCZ, Moniz had replaced the youngster because of his disrespectful reaction after Bajrami had not followed his tactical instructions. Moniz then transferred him to the U21 team.
Bajrami on the verge of a loan move
For blue Sport expert Admir Mehmedi, the harsh measure is incomprehensible. "What can the boy do if his father throws an umbrella in the stands? He could be given a second chance if he presents himself well," says the former FCZ striker. "I think it's too much to pillory the boy now and demote him to the point of no return." FCZ emphasize that Bajrami was not demoted because of his father's umbrella throw, but because of his own behaviour on the pitch.
FCZ sporting director Milos Malenovic explains in an interview with blue Sport: "It's sad and a shame for Bajrami, who is actually a good boy, but didn't have his emotions under control in this game. Internally, that cost us energy. It was unnecessary because we're doing well at the moment."
And what's next for the U-Nat player? Malenovic makes it clear that the 19-year-old only recently signed a contract until 2028. "We believe in him, he's a very talented striker. We will certainly find a solution." This has been found in the meantime. Bajrami is joining Winterthur on loan for this season. "He can get more match practice there," says Malenovic. "We want him to step on the gas now. Then we'll see where we stand in a year's time."
Mehmedi: "That brings unrest"
Bajrami's time at FCZ will probably not be over for good. Nevertheless, Malenovic is fully behind the coach and his decisions. Moniz is disappointed with Bajrami, for whom he has spent a lot of time and effort. The head of sport can also understand that the coach had already substituted two other players, Doron Leidner and Jonathan Okita, in and out.
Mehmedi takes a completely different view. "I find the way the players are treated questionable. If you change a player three times within a few weeks, that's too much in my opinion. These are unusual measures and cause unrest," says the blue Sport expert.
It is the coach's right to make such decisions. "In my experience, however, coaches who stand in front of the team publicly and talk straight internally instead of harshly criticizing the players externally fare better," says Mehmedi. "I think it's a shame that they want to loan Bajrami out now."
Four changes at the break
And Moniz? He remains true to his unconventional decisions. Against Luzern, he made four changes at the break, including taking 20-year-old Daniel Denoon off the pitch for his debut. After trailing 0:1, the Zurich team got back into the game and still managed to pick up a point.
"The first half was the worst under my management," the coach once again made clear in an interview with blue Sport. He felt his players lacked initiative and wanted them to be more decisive and courageous.
Moniz has a good laugh in the end. FCZ remain unbeaten in their fifth Super League game and go into the international break in second place, just one point behind leaders Servette (Geneva have played one more game).
