Leonardo Genoni is set to return to EV Zug this season

Leonardo Genoni is set to return after a successful senior training campaign. Has it been these days? The 37-year-old spoke about the complications of the past few weeks and commented on his form.

Philipp Zurfluh / ch media

The 37-year-old Leonardo Genoni performed well in the semi-finals and finals of this year's World Cup in the Czech Republic: 95.5% and 96.8%. He's at his best. After the game, an excited Peter Mettler said his protégé's achievements were “disgusting”. The man from Schwyz was the goalkeeper coach of the Swiss national team until this spring. And: “Jenoni lied to some people.” Mettler's vote was a swipe at critics who have called for a changing of the guard from the “old guard.”

It has been almost half a year since we lost to the Czech Republic in the World Cup final. Unbelievable: the final was Genoni's last serious game. More than a third of the qualifying stage is over, but he still hasn't been allowed to show off his skills in competitive conditions. When will the goalkeeper return? This is a pressing issue within and around the EVZ.

Leonardo Genoni's last official game was the World Cup final.Image: trapezoid

Tuesday's training visit to EVZ sent the message that a comeback is just around the corner. Genoni comes across as carefree and relaxed. The desire to return is huge. After practice — his first full session with the team — he took time to talk about his emotional and physical state. «It feels good. There is no fear in the game and that is very, very important to me,” said the seven-time Swiss champion.

Team training is more challenging than individual goalkeeper training. «Those are two pairs of shoes. The positive thing is that I was able to take two or three steps forward in the last week. “At the same time, he said: “I have to surpass the other two goalkeepers. That’s not the case today, I’ll be honest. If there's one thing I can't do, it's average. I can't stand average. I want to get back to the highest level. That's what I stand for. “

The ZSC Lions were too strong in the playoff semifinals last season.Image: trapezoid

As diligent, ambitious and reflective as ever. Genoni is a perfectionist who leaves nothing to chance in the pursuit of maximum performance. These attributes make a goalkeeper unique and set him apart from other professional goalkeepers. I haven’t had a serious fight in half a year. A fact that worried him? “I know that but I'm not worried. The test matches in August also gave me a good feeling.”

Genoni’s creed: Be patient and don’t rush

In early September, Genoni injured his lower body during training. “Not bad,” he thought to himself. He gave himself a day of rest, but his body wasn't sending any good signals. Genoni was initially expected to rest for two to three weeks. Then there were weeks of discussions. Genoni is aiming to return on October 25th, EVZ’s “Father’s Day.” Each year, players' parents and staff get an inside look at the EVZ empire. They can then spend a day with their loved one.

But the recovery process encountered serious setbacks. Genoni's timetable was thrown out the window. «I'm not making any progress. It doesn't make sense because I'm not without pain,” the goalie said. The symptoms prevented him from moving, like getting up. So it goes on: Be patient, listen to your body. Not knowing when you'll be back on the ice, it's It was new to him and he was having a hard time dealing with it. “The situation was killing me. “

Logically speaking, every thoroughbred professional feels pain inside when watching a game. But Genoni’s first priority as he builds his conditioning: Don’t take too many risks. “Forcing a return to training is an oversight. I'm not prepared to take six months of painkillers so I can drag myself to the field,” said Genoni, who let reason prevail. “As long as you can't help the team , the coach won’t let you play. I never felt any pressure from the coaches. Now I'm happy that I'm so close. “Ultimately, the coach decides whether he believes he can bring added value to the team. Genoni: “The last thing I want to do is get a bonus because of my past. “

Coach Downes keeps a low profile

Genoni actually only knew the word harm from hearsay. He has never experienced a long-term injury. The last time we reunited after a long absence was more than ten years ago. In the fall of 2013, while still blocking balls in a HC Davos uniform, an ankle injury sidelined him for two months.

It's unclear in which game Genoni will return.Image: trapezoid

Janoni was in a good mood. His first deployment was just a few days away. Will he start again Thursday at home against the Rapperswil-Jonah Lakers (8 p.m., TV 24 and 3+)? Or could he play away against EHC Biel on Friday? The day before the game against the Lakers, Downes did not provide any information about Genoni's profile, but also said: “I like his presence, he trains well.” One thing is clear: Genoni Feeling ready for great things and eager for that long-awaited comeback. (aargauerzeitung.ch)

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