Neuchâtel Xamax began its preparation behind closed doors on Friday for the second part of the Challenge League football championship. The “red and black” players are now placed under the orders of Anthony Braizat. The former coach of Stade Lausanne-Ouchy was inducted on December 24 in place of Uli Forte, who now manages Winterthur. Two arrivals and two departures: the winter transfer window did not bring profound upheavals within the “red and black” squad. “We wanted to keep the foundation of the team and replace the outgoing players. », explained Tiziano Sorrenti in our 12:15 p.m. newspaper. The essential change therefore relates to the position of coach.
Anthony Braizat must already breathe new life into a group which has run out of steam under the direction of Uli Forte: “I must already give the players a smile again. These didn’t end very well. Over the last nine matches, they have only made nine points. Be careful, however, not everything has to be thrown away. “.
The winter transfer window is marked by the return to the club of Liridon Mulaj. The Biennois followed the entire training course of the “red and black” club. He left Neuchâtel Xamax at the age of 21 as a replacement. At 26, this striker returns to the role of a potential and almost indisputable starter: “All football players want to be a starter. Mentally, I have progressed a lot. And it’s true that it’s also a lot thanks to Anthony Braizat. »
Besides Liridon Mulaj, Neuchâtel Xamax hired a second player during this transfer window, with a very different profile: Ismaël Sidibé. This 22-year-old Malian player has been playing for two years in 1re Luxembourg division. He had already been tested at La Maladière in June: “I kept in touch with Neuchâtel Xamax after participating in two training sessions with the team this summer. I really liked it. The Swiss championship also offers more visibility than in Luxembourg. »
-As part of its preparation, Neuchâtel Xamax also integrated two midfielders from the under-19s into its squad, Joona Moser and Elmidin Schaller. Mickaël Facchinetti is the only player on trial. He could occupy the only position that still remains to be filled, that of left back: “We carried out physical tests with Mickaël in December which were conclusive. We are still waiting to see him at work in a friendly match,” explains club manager Tiziano Sorrenti.
Neuchâtel Xamax will resume the championship on Friday January 24 at home against Stade Lausanne-Ouchy. Anthony Braizat’s former team. Before that, the “red and black” club will play two friendly matches at the La Maladière stadium on January 11 against Bienne and on January 17 against Stade Nyonnais. /mne
Swiss
