After PSV’s 3-0 defeat in Leeuwarden, there was a lot of unrest among the supporters. But whoever thought that PSV is going bad can always look at Thursday evening’s opponent. FC Zurich was champion of Switzerland last year, but is now at the bottom of the ranking.
If you look at the past of the Swiss, you will see high peaks and deep valleys. Something that is also applicable to the year 2022.
FC Zurich became national champion for the thirteenth time last season. So you would say that the club is an absolute superpower, but that is not so bad. Between 2006 and 2009 it became three times national champion, but after that it was a long wait for a new title with even a year at the second level in between.
This season it is once again dramatic for the champion of Switzerland. FC Zurich is at the bottom of the competition with only three points from nine matches. Last weekend there was a draw against fellow townspeople Grasshoppers.
Relegation not ruled out
The fact that FC Zurich can simply be relegated as champions cannot be ruled out. Last season’s championship came as a surprise. In the years before, the club did not perform very well and each time it had to settle for place 7 or 8. Not surprising, since the Swiss were still playing at the second level in 2017.
FC Zurich’s relegation year was special. The fate of the club was sealed in the final rounds, but a few days later the Swiss Cup was taken. It ensured that for the third time in history a relegant also won the cup and was allowed to participate in the Europa League.
Trainer fired
Still, the current last place in the ranking is difficult to justify. The national champion then lost quite a few players, but should compete for the European places in terms of status.
The blame was laid a week ago with the new trainer Franco Foda. He was appointed last summer but only managed to win matches in the qualification for the Europa League and the first round of the cup. Currently, interim trainer Genesio Colatrella stands in front of the group.
FC Zurich is also the only team with zero points in the Europa League group. It lost at home to Arsenal and away to Bodø/Glimt.