Met in his office at the BCF-Arena, the general director of Gottéron does not seem worried. While the Dragons only occupy eleventh place in the standings after 19 National League matches, John Gobbi is even optimistic: “it’s frustrating, because we have had good matches recently. According to the advanced statistics, there are games that we should even have won over the last ten days, we are one of the best teams in the championship.
However, Patrick Émond’s players are unable to accumulate victories. This has only happened once since the start of the season with a series of successes against Lugano and Ajoie during the month of October. John Gobbi points out power play: “special situations, especially power play, do not help us to keep matches very close. These little details are costing us very, very dearly at the moment.”
Patrick Émond, the man for the job
In Fribourg, the supporters are very demanding. Critics have been raining down since the start of the exercise. John Gobbi is aware of this: “as general manager, it is my role to calm all parties, whether fans or sponsors. You have to accept criticism. It’s part of the game.”
On the other hand, the 43-year-old from Ticino refuses to let these criticisms dictate his choices. He explains that Gottéron never thought of parting ways with his coach, Patrick Émond: “Absolutely not. Patrick is doing an enormous job. Everyone has confidence in him: the players, the sporting director Gerd Zenhäusern and the board of directors. administration. It’s a new era for Gottéron with changes and the arrival of new players. It takes time. We have to stay calm. We’re missing the results, but it will come.
Le malaise Chris DiDomenico
The fact remains that one of Gottéron’s emblematic players was no longer happy at the BCF-Arena. According to Blick, partly because of the system put in place by Patrick Émond. Chris DiDomenico therefore left for Ambrì-Piotta. A selfish choice? John Gobbi responds: “it’s not for me to judge. Each player has his life, his ideas. He probably thought about his career and preferred a change of scenery to give himself new impetus.”
In exchange for DiDomenuco, Gottéron received Jakob Lilja, who came to Friborg to get back on track. John Gobbi understands that the transfer could have been surprising: “it happened very quickly, it’s true, but every day, we ask ourselves how to improve our team. That also means having motivated players, ready to beating on the ice, good teammates… that’s what we found with Jakob Lilja Of course he has a different role than DiDomenico, but he will bring a lot to the team. He has presence, presence. experience and he goes where it hurts.”
Soon a seventh foreigner
And soon – it’s a matter of days – Gottéron will announce the arrival of a seventh foreigner. Where is Gerd Zenhäusern’s research? John Gobbi wants to be confident: “we discuss it regularly. We have a very specific profile in mind. The goal is not to lengthen the bench. We want someone who brings something to the team: a leader with character and who also has an offensive impact Gerd does an extraordinary job, but the market is not easy. There are many clubs in Switzerland who are looking. A little more patience.
John Gobbi was the guest on our “Match After Match” podcast. Listen to the full interview here:
RadioFr. – Marie Ceriani
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