Fuente: © UEFA (English)
http://www.uefa.com/

FOOTBALL EUROPE: Zürich back on top again

/noticias.info/ by Daniel Schaub
from Basle

Defending champions FC Zürich have climbed to the summit in Switzerland again after the first half of the Super League.

Impressive lead
Despite the departures of key defender Iulian Filipescu and top scorer Alhassane Keita, the title holders have continued to be the strongest side in the country and they head the league standings, eight points clear of the challengers at the winter break.

Hotz departs
An era ended at Zürich on 12 December when club president Sven Hotz stepped down after a 20 year-reign at the age of 77. Hotz’s investments had paid off as the team won the domestic cup in 2005 and 12 months later clinched the championship for the first time in 25 years.

Flowing football
Lucien Favre's side have been playing the most attractive and competitive football in Switzerland, with Finn Hannu Tihinen coming in for Filipescu at the heart of defence and Keita's replacement being found in the form of Eudis, who joined from Lausanne-Sports and has linked-up with fellow Brazilian Rafael well.

Key players
Favre has to contend with constant rumours surrounding the future of key trio Xavier Margairaz, Blerim Dzemaili and Gökhan Inler as none of them have signed new contracts to extend deals which expire next summer. That situation is yet to be resolved but despite the unrest, Zürich's progress is remarkable, particularly as they have to play their home matches at the Hardturm Stadium, which belongs to local rivals Grasshopper-Club, as their Letzigrund stadium is being rebuilt for UEFA EURO 2008™. notas_de_prensa_archivo