(Translated by Thomas Snaith)

The main challenges for FCB decision makers over the past few days were the following:  Finding a  solution in regards to previous head coach Paulo Sousa´s future at the club. In parallel it was necessary to construct an evaluation process for the selection of Sousa´s successor in case no solution was to be found regarding Sousa´s future at FCB. It was essential to be ready in order to prepare the next season as professionally as possible.

Urs Fischer left his previous club FC Thun, in full agreement with his previous employer and matches the criteria  identified in FC Basel´s evaluation/selection process. FCB were not only looking for a candidate with technical and interpersonal skills but especially for the new coach to be a strong and clear communicator, both internally and externally. It is essential that the new head coach can identify with his new tasks and ambitious goals and must have the ability to motivate and develop his players.

FCB is confident that Fischer will meet the clubs expectations. Basel´s management  team is very much aware of Fischer´s great work in Zürich and Thun (since 2013).  In Thun, Fischer impressed by his positive style of play, achieving  great results with a small budget and with players who may not have made it at other, larger clubs. Just like at FCB, Fischer also experienced the situation where many of his players where bought up by bigger clubs.

In 2014 Urs Fischer was awarded the title " Swiss Football Coach of the Year" based on his great work at FC Thun. A large contribution towards this award was the fact that his "team of the season 2013/2014" qualified for the group stage of the UEFA Europa League, elimintaing Swedish side BK Häcken and Serbian giants Partizan Belgrad.

Last season (2014/2015) Urs Fischer and FC Thun finished fourth in the Swiss league, qualifying for the qualification round of the UEFA Europa League.

FC Thun was Fischer´s second club he coached after many loyal years as youth coach, assistant coach and head coach (2010-2012) at his home club FC Zürich.

Fischer gained many years of football experience as a player; the defender played for FC Zürich for eleven years and FC St. Gallen for eight years. No other player in Swiss football history has played as many fixtures as Fischer. Between 1984 and 2003 Fischer played a total of 545 games in the highest Swiss League. Between 1989 and 1991 he collected 4 caps for the Swiss national team, playing against Spain (1:2), Italy (0:1), Argentina (1:1) and the USA (2:1).

FCB is very happy to welcome Urs Fischer as FC Basel 1893´s new head coach and would like to thank FC Thun and their board of directors, including president Markus Lüthi and sports director Andreas Gerber for allowing their successful coach to move on. Transfer details were not disclosed.

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