U.S. bosses also face pressure after Sullivan's dismissal

Ineffective offense, sloppy defense and a lack of luck: everything went wrong again for GC, which is why head coach Marco Sullivan had to take his hat off. But sporting director Stephen Schwartz and the US owners are now also under pressure.

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Tuesday night, that's what happened. Grasshoppers have once again pushed head coach Marco Sullivan out of the gate after recording just four wins in 15 games, two of which came against sixth-tier Regensdorf in the cup and challenger league club TU kindness. With a record of 0.69 points in 13 league games, it's a logical step. “Given current sporting results, the club has decided that a change is necessary,” GC said.

In fact, Zurich has often had the same problem in recent games. There is a lack of creativity and penetration in attack, which is why even with good performances in other areas, such as the recent 0-2 loss to Lucerne, no goals were scored despite a 61% ball possession rate and a shooting ratio of 14:9. GC had only three shots on goal, while Lucerne had twice as many as their opponents, which illustrates the often lack of accuracy in attack. Defensively, mistakes and oversights were frequent. GC suffered ruthless counterattacks in Lucerne and the 1-1 draw with Lugano.

GC defender Ayumu Seko made a famous move after Lucerne counterattacked, but it was too late.Image: trapezoid

Lack of luck, newcomers are weak

Sullivan talked about the luck the Grasshoppers currently lack. However, those in charge around sporting director Stephen Schwartz believed the coach was responsible and replaced him on an interim basis with Giuseppe Morello. In fact, everything seemed to go wrong for the record champion, and it was the players who were to blame. Apart from Giotto Morandi, Awer Mabil and team leader and captain Amir Abrashi, there are too few who perform regularly. The new additions – effectively a good mix of experienced players and young talent – have largely failed to live up to expectations so far.

Then there's Sonny Kittel, who was one of Hamburger SV's long-term standout performers in the Bundesliga 2, but after a year in Poland and Australia, he still couldn't follow up his form at Zurich. Although in terms of talent, he could actually be one of the best players in the Chinese Super League. Another German on the wane is Benno Schmitz, one of FC Köln's best performers as they rush into the Conference League in 2021/22. The team's most valuable player, Canadian Mathieu Choinière, worth 3.5 million euros, has not yet had the influence it deserves. Nicolas Mucci is a bright spot, but at 21 years old he's still too inconsistent. The same goes for fellow Stormer Young-joon Lee from South Korea. The only real asset is YB lender Noah Persson.

Canada international Mathieu Jonnier is just one of several new signings who have fallen short of expectations.Image: trapezoid

That's too little. Therefore, the team leaders around athletic director Stephen Schwartz must also take responsibility. The 54-year-old German succeeded Bernt Haas in March. Soon after, he sacked head coach Bruno Berner and appointed Sullivan, who led GC to an emotional relegation at Barrage. Perhaps because of this joy, the 62-year-old coach's tenure was extended. Now it seems that this was a wrong decision.

There is neither tradition nor recognition among American owners

To what extent Sullivan is responsible for the sport's misery is of course difficult to say. But clearly the club wanted him to do something that he couldn't keep. That's why sporting director Schwartz is now under pressure – along with him from US owners surrounding President Stacey Johns.

They joined the Grasshoppers in January this year. Schwartz was their athletic director and Sullivan was their first coach. Now the coach has been fired for the second time in just a few months. This decision was only well received by some fans. They can identify with “Schälli,” who played defense for the Grasshoppers with great success. Now, another identifying figure that has become so rare in GC is gone.

GC athletic director Stephan Schwarz is under a lot of pressure.Image: trapezoid

The importance the American owners place on tradition and identity is also reflected in their much-criticized decision not to play the club's anthem “Das isch GC” before home games in Lechgrund. People no longer mourn the past but look to the future. Few understand that the club's great times should no longer be remembered.

With Sullivan's defeat, suspicions about the board of Stacy Johns, Larry Freedman and Co. may grow Increased by failure, they were supposed to bring progress to their Chinese predecessors. Those responsible must now resist this. Fans need reassurance. On the one hand, this means preserving certain traditions and remaining identity figures, such as Amir Abrashi, who also places himself on the fan curve. On the other hand, the next coach has to be right – especially since his two predecessors are still on the payroll. He not only wants to bring success, but also fans.

Another German coming?

Michael Wimmer is considered a possible candidate. The 44-year-old recently signed a contract with Austrian outfit Vienna from January 2023 to May 2024, his first role as head coach. He knew his compatriot and GC sporting director Schwarz from their days at Augsburg. According to “Blue”, he was spotted watching the Lucerne GC match in a Zurich hotel on Sunday. He also saw Dirk Abels' phantom handball before the penalty put Lucerne 2-0 ahead, potentially costing Marco Sullivan his job and clearing the way for Wimmer.

Is Michael Wimmer the future GC coach?Picture: www.imago-images.de

But Schwartz and U.S. bosses shouldn't rush things. Because this may be their last chance to arrest the decline of the 27-time champion, who only averages around 7,000 viewers for his games and will not ultimately return to the Challenge League.