FORMER Arsenal defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has been unveiled as the new head coach of FC Basel.
The Swiss giants announced the appointment on Monday evening after sacking Ludovic Magnin following a string of bad results.
Lichtsteiner, 42, joins Basel after spending the last two years managing fourth-tier Swiss side FC Wettswil-Bonstetten.
It’s the retired defender’s first ever top-flight job, and a risky move for Basel who currently sit 10 points off top spot in the Swiss Super League.
Lichtsteiner said upon his appointment: “I am very convinced of the long-term project at FC Basel and am therefore delighted to be a part of it from now on.
“Although the move comes a little earlier than planned, it was a given for me that I wanted to take on this challenge at this great club now, as the situation has arisen.
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“I am sure that together we can achieve a lot at FCB.”
Lichtsteiner previously worked with Basel’s youth teams, managing the U16s before taking the job at Wettswil.
Basel sporting director Daniel Stucki said: “We already know Stephan from the youth academy, where I worked directly with him for over two years.
“He possesses a great tactical understanding and has always been able to inspire his teams and improve them as a collective.
“We are aware that he is joining us at a demanding time, with crucial matches coming up in a short period. And this without any real experience as a head coach at the professional level.
“But our main goal is to plan for the long term and sustainably.”
Lichtsteiner had an impressive playing career, representing his nation 108 times and wearing the captain’s armband at the 2018 World Cup.
The right-back also won seven league titles with Juventus before joining Arsenal in 2018.
He made just 14 Premier League appearances for the Gunners, leaving the club in the summer of 2019.
Stephan Lichtsteiner’s career
Here’s a look at the career of new Basel boss Stephan Lichtsteiner…
PLAYING CAREER
- 2001-2005: Grasshopper
- 2005-2008: Lille
- 2008-2011: Lazio
- 2011-2018: Juventus
- 2018-2019: Arsenal
- 2019-2020: Augsburg
MANAGERIAL CAREER
- 2022-2023: FC Basel U15s
- 2023-2024: FC Basel U16s
- 2024-2026: FC Wettswil-Bonstetten
- 2026 – present: FC Basel
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