2023-06-19 15:46:58
The Hoppers’ new coach
“I struggled with myself” – that’s why Bruno Berner is now training GC
Bruno Berner had a great past at GC. He has been the Hoppers’ new coach since Monday.
Published19. June 2023, 5:46 p.m
Bruno Berner is part of GC once more.
freshfocus
He was introduced to the Hoppers on Monday.
freshfocus
For Berner it is a return.
freshfocus
He was still playing for the club more than 20 years ago.
freshfocus
Also together with the current sports director Bernt Haas.
freshfocus
Bruno Berner was introduced as the new GC coach.
It’s a return for the 45-year-old.
As a player, Berner celebrated many successes with GC.
After more than 20 years, the GC crest shines once more on Bruno Berner’s chest. On Monday, the 45-year-old had his first day back with his old love – the Grasshoppers. “My heart was beating a little faster this morning when I drove to the campus,” explained the coach at the media conference in Niederhasli.
But why is Berner doing the powder keg GC with investors from China at all? “It’s regarding the challenge. I like to challenge and encourage people, but I also like being challenged,” explains the former GC junior. For him, GC is extremely important. After all, he laid the foundation for his career with the people of Zurich. He would prefer turbulence to shallow water anyway.
«Know what it means to wear a GC shirt»
However, Berner admits that the decision in favor of the Hoppers and to the disadvantage of Winterthur was not easy for him. “It was very emotional. I struggled with myself, I’ll be honest.” But in the end it was a heart-belly-head decision, according to the native of Zurich. The love for the club and the blue and white heart also made the difference. In addition, sports director Bernt Haas showed him with every call that he wanted him.
The relationship with Haas is special anyway, says the former SRF expert. After all, they got to know each other in 1992 and never lost sight of each other. In the national team you were even a roommate, says sports director Haas. But it was also important for both of them to separate their private and professional relationships. Berner: “We know what it means to wear the GC shirt.”
Contract extensions always require two pages
Currently, however, the squad mutations are piling up at the Hoppers. Numerous departures have to be compensated. Not that many players know what it’s like to wear the GC shirt anymore. Identification figure Petar Pusic left the club with quite negative sounds. On Instagram he wrote: “Due to the vague discussions, I did not feel the absolute will on the part of the club to continue to bind myself to the club.”
Sports director Haas says regarding the 24-year-old’s departure: “It always takes two sides. In the end it was Peti’s decision.” Bruno Berner explains: “On Saturday following I signed, I was the first player to contact Petar from the holidays because I knew how important it was.” Nevertheless, in the end it was Pusic’s decision to leave the club.
Shortly before the press conference, the club also announced the departure of goalie André Moreira. But a replacement has already been found for the Portuguese. Two new goalies complete the squad. The previous substitute goalie Justin Hammel will be number 1 in the coming season – a much cheaper solution than Moreira. Incidentally, Berner did not want to announce goals. These would only make sense following the definitive squad planning. “We have worked well in recent years and we are now laying the foundation.”
With the daily update you stay informed regarding your favorite topics and don’t miss any more news regarding current world events.
Receive the most important information directly in your mailbox every day.
View Comments
1687200716
#Hoppers #coach #struggled #Bruno #Berner #training
