FC St. Gallen presents its new coach Enrico "Eno" Maassen. Peter Zeidler's successor is "really up for it" and explains why he decided to make the move to eastern Switzerland.
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- FC St. Gallen introduces new coach Enrico Maassen at a press conference. Head of Sport Roger Stilz explains why the German is the best possible solution for the Espen.
- Maassen also explains why he decided to move to eastern Switzerland and reveals: "Ermedin Demirovic, who I coached in Augsburg, spoke very highly of this club."
"A new chapter is beginning in the rich history of our club," says St. Gallen President Matthias Hüppi, opening the media conference to introduce new coach Enrico Maassen with a look back: "For me, this is always a reason not to forget what different, committed people have achieved here together. You can't emphasize that often enough."
Hüppi is of course referring to Peter Zeidler, who has left. "He has played a big part in our achievements over the last six years. The way he played football has magnetically attracted people and brought them to the wonderful Kybunpark," says the FCSG president, proudly announcing that over 11,000 season tickets have already been sold. "The trust people have in this club is incredible. That is the asset that we want to, will and must preserve very carefully."
"The club's stability is internationally renowned"
From the point of view of those responsible, a first step in the right direction has already been taken with the signing of Enrico Maassen. "We looked for the best possible solution and we found it," says sporting director Roger Stilz with conviction. "That's why I'm really happy. It's not a matter of course that you get the player you really want." In FCSG's case, however, things are a little different. "The club's stability is now also known internationally, which makes it all the more attractive for coaches to come here. I clearly sensed that."
Maassen prevailed against eight initial candidates. "I'm very happy," says the 40-year-old, who describes himself as a family man. "I am someone who is tangible. That suits this club," says Maassen and explains: "The euphoria was an additional argument. Ermedin Demirovic, who I coached in Augsburg, spoke very highly of this club."
The former Augsburg coach also discovered many similar views and values during the talks: "We love football and want to move forward together. I felt very comfortable from day one," says Maassen.
The club's stable environment is a key factor for the German. He has never experienced such "trusting and appreciative discussions". "The people around us are all pulling in the same direction," says the new boss, who is also completely satisfied with his squad: "I'm really keen to develop the team further. (...) The core of the team is staying together. The top performers are staying. The team is good."
