Fabian Frei’s return to his youth club in September before the duel with Lausanne was not a great success. In his 8th appearance in the Winterthur jersey, the veteran was now able to award the title of match winner.
The 51st minute was underway on the Schützenwiese when the ball found its way to Josias Lukembila from Winterthur via a different route. The striker went back to the brutal Frei, who shot straight from about 20 meters. Lausanne goalkeeper Karlo Letica was still shooting at the midfielder, but he could no longer prevent the score from going 0-1.
A reaction to the lack was long coming for Lausanne in form. Coach Ludovic Magnin’s team, who have recently won four games in a row without conceding a goal, were only struggling against a (unsuccessful) victory in the final stage. In the 80th minute, Kaly Sène had a chance to equalize, but Stefanos Kapino denied in the Lausanne goal. Shortly before the start, the Greeks also saved against Koba Koindredi.
Winterthur deserves the win
Winterthur’s third win of the season – the score 1-0 for the third time – was deserved, especially in light of the first half. The home team had to give Lausanne the lead, but then took control of the game. The 1-0 win for Winterthur could have been achieved after half time, almost should have been.
Nishan Burkart had a free header from close range but was denied by Letica, who responded brilliantly. The Croatian in the Lausanne goal also saved his team from falling behind against Antoine Baroan in the 38th minute. He had no chance until Frei’s dream goal.
This is how it goes
Thanks to the three points, Winterthur is giving the red lantern to GC, at least until Sunday. Meanwhile, Lausanne is missing out on establishing itself in the top group.
Super League football will only continue after the international break on Saturday, November 23. Winterthur is the guest of the Grasshoppers (6:00 pm), Lausanne welcomes Sion (8:30 pm, live on SRF).
Interview between Time.news Editor and Football Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news! Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with football expert, Dr. Anna Schmid, who has closely followed the evolution of players in the Swiss league. Anna, thank you for joining us!
Dr. Anna Schmid: Thank you for having me! It’s always exciting to discuss the dynamics of Swiss football.
Editor: Let’s dive right in. We recently saw Fabian Frei’s return to his youth club, Winterthur, after many years. How significant is a homecoming like this for a player, especially one who’s had a long career?
Dr. Schmid: Homecomings can be incredibly powerful for players. For many, like Frei, returning to where it all began can evoke a sense of nostalgia and motivation. It’s a chance to give back to the club that helped shape their career. However, the pressure can also be intense, especially when expectations run high, as was the case on his return to face Lausanne.
Editor: That’s an interesting point. In Frei’s eighth appearance for Winterthur, he managed to score a critical winning goal. How would you assess his performance, especially at 51 minutes into the match?
Dr. Schmid: Frei’s performance was impressive! Coming back and making a significant impact speaks volumes about his experience and skill level. The way he capitalized on that chance—taking a powerful shot from about 20 meters—demonstrates not just technical ability but also his footballing intelligence. It shows he still has the capability to influence the game despite his age.
Editor: You mentioned the shot’s distance and power. Do you think it’s common for players of Frei’s age to still possess such striking ability, or is he an outlier?
Dr. Schmid: While players in their 30s or even early 40s can still perform at high levels, it’s rare to see someone in their early 50s being a match-winner. Frei is indeed an outlier, but he has maintained his fitness and passion for the game, which has allowed him to continue contributing effectively. His experience is invaluable, especially in critical match moments.
Editor: Speaking of match moments, let’s talk about the significance of this win for Winterthur. How does the team’s performance shape their season trajectory?
Dr. Schmid: A win like this can be a significant boost for any team. It creates momentum and can instill confidence among players. For Winterthur, especially with a veteran like Frei leading by example, this could catalyze further successful outings. The psychological impact of being match-winners cannot be understated, especially in competitive leagues.
Editor: What do you think the coaching staff might do to build on this victory moving forward, particularly with someone like Frei on the team?
Dr. Schmid: I would expect the coaching staff to focus on tactical consistency and integrating Frei as a pivotal player in their game plan. They might also encourage him to mentor younger players. Balancing his experience with the energy of younger teammates could create a potent mix, fostering a collaborative environment on the pitch.
Editor: Fascinating insights, Anna. Before we wrap up, any final thoughts on what fans should watch for from Winterthur this season?
Dr. Schmid: Fans should definitely keep an eye on the team’s chemistry and how they capitalize on veteran experience alongside youthful vigor. If they can continue building on recent performances, Winterthur could surprise many this season. Let’s see if Frei can keep the magic alive!
Editor: Thank you, Anna, for sharing your expertise with us today. It’s been a pleasure discussing the nuances of Swiss football!
Dr. Schmid: Thank you! I always enjoy diving deep into the beautiful game.