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In the 18th round of the Super League, GC welcomes newcomers Yverdon – and wants to say goodbye to the winter break with their third win in a row.
Legend:
We also want to celebrate against Yverdon
Amir Abrashi (front) and his teammates.
Marc Schumacher/freshfocus
The winter break is approaching, there is only one matchday left in the Super League before the teams say goodbye for a month. While most teams are looking forward to the break in order to recharge their batteries, it is inconvenient for GC – because the Zurich team is in form.
9 points from the last 4 games, only the defeat against the in-form Servette and most recently 2 wins in a row speak for the upward trend of the Grasshoppers. Against Yverdon, the record champions now have the chance to celebrate three successes in a row for the first time since spring. With 20 points, the Zurich team are in 7th place, which means they can even aim for the top 6.
Mangiarraratti with a GC past
Opponent Yverdon also has 20 points to his name, but this is mainly thanks to a strong start to the season. Things haven’t been going so well for the people of Vaud recently, but in the derby against Stade-Lausanne-Ouchy last Sunday they managed to break free with a 2-1 home win and at the same time their first triumph under new coach Alessandro Mangiarratti.
The Ticino coach actually has a past at GC himself. While studying sports, he was under contract with the Grasshoppers in 2001, but only played in competitive games for the U21s. There was still one highlight among the “big guys”. In a test match against FC Barcelona (2:4) he was allowed to play at least the second half. Bruno Berner – today’s GC coach – was also on the pitch at the time.
Legend:
Bruno Berner in a duel with Javier Saviola
During the 2001 test match.
KEYSTONE/Michele Limina
However, Mangiarratti’s short stint at GC was not successful. After a short time he moved to FC Wil in the National League B. That’s why his past probably won’t stop him from doing everything he can with Yverdon to finish the GC race before the winter break. And to overtake Zurich – with his short-term ex-teammate Berner – in the table.