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Basel’s coach and captain don’t want to be fooled by the importance of the ECL second leg against Sofia.
The FC Basel squad is designed to withstand a triple load of championship, cup and European cup. If the first of these three expected tasks is already omitted, with at least six games less, the burden can hardly be distributed over the shoulders of the players in such a way that everyone in the team is satisfied.
And the playoff second leg against CSKA Sofia is also of great economic importance for FCB, as participation in the group phase of the Conference League would guarantee several million francs in income. Money that can be put to good use at the knee of the Rhine to compensate for the annual structural deficit.
The pressure is there, but shouldn’t be a hindrance
Coach Alex Frei emphasizes, however, that the necessary backing from the club management is given before the big game. «I am in regular contact with the Board of Directors. Of course, it is said there that progress would be important. But it’s not like I’m being pressured,” he says.
Of course, I know very well what is at stake.
After more than 10 years at FCB, captain and namesake Fabian Frei is only too well aware that participating in European business would not only benefit the players and their development, but also the fans. But it is important to ignore the big picture. “I try to consciously isolate myself and not have too much contact with the office. Of course, I know very well what is at stake. But that doesn’t help in the preparation.”
Positive instead of negative emotions
As in the 3rd qualifying round against Brondby Copenhagen, the aim is to make up for a 0-1 deficit from the first leg. Captain Frei considers it a good omen that this task has already been accomplished with the help of the powerfully vocal fans in St. Jakob-Park. “When this team has the knife on its neck, it can go one step further. I’m sure we’ll get into the group stage if we get 100 percent of our performance.”
If you take the performance in the first leg as a yardstick, it should be difficult despite all confidence. Coach Frei saw little that was edifying in Bulgaria and even spoke of the worst game in his short tenure. At the same time, he also says: “I didn’t have the feeling that Sofia played us against the wall.”
The team should hide the effects of a possible failure. Rather, Frei builds on the sporting incentives and the shop window effect. “The players can also present themselves in the Conference League.”