FC Lugano's customary end-of-season press conference took place in the press room of the Cornaredo Stadium two days after the conclusion of a competitive season that saw the HCL first team finish at the foot of the podium in the Credit Suisse Super League and, as a result, secure a place in the preliminaries of a continental tournament (yet to be confirmed whether it will be Europa League or Conference League).
The occasion was useful to take stock of the past year, the present and what will happen in the future. Attending the event were Martin Blaser (vice president and board delegate), Sebastian Pelzer (Chief Sports Officer) and Mattia Croci-Torti (first team coach).
MARTIN BLASER: 'SOCCER IS NOT PLANNABLE'
Doing the honors was vice-president and board delegate Martin Blaser, who took advantage of the moment "To thank everyone for their cooperation regarding the season just ended", then analyzing one by one the three main sports sectors of the society, starting with the women's section: "The main goal was to retain the National B League, and the team, despite initial vicissitudes and difficulties in having eleven players available for the start of the season, succeeded brilliantly".
As for the U21 training, "the sporting goal was to maintain the category, which was achieved Saturday afternoon at the Maglio. It should be noted that the budget for the Hoval Promotion League championship is 900,000 francs. During the course of the season, the SFA sent us a letter, in which we are given the task of taking over the formation and responsibility for elite soccer (Team Ticino). The goals we aim for have never changed. And that was from the summer of 2021, when we found ourselves in discussions with Leonid Novoselskiy".
The goals set for the first team "were not that far from being reached. Of course, not being able to experience the fourth consecutive Swiss Cup final next Sunday hurts a bit. However, in the Board of Directors we never talked about a change of goals. The title was never a real goal. The real one was to get into the top three in the rankings. Now, when the official opening of the AIL Arena is 368 days away, we are looking forward to a full year with numerous challenges, both inside and outside the playing field".
"Soccer is not plannable. Being good on the field is no longer enough. It is necessary to be as professional as possible. Without sports results, however, one does not go far. As far as we are concerned, at the sporting level we try to provide the best possible conditions. The trust I place in those who work together with me is immeasurable. If you then want to see development in another direction, perhaps you need to take a couple of steps back and start again".
SEBASTIAN PELZER: "SATISFIED, BUT WE WANT TO IMPROVE"
For his part, the HCL Chief Sports Officer analyzes the recently concluded sports season: "We are very happy with the performance. In the Conference League we reached the round of 16, while in the league we entered the top six, finishing in fourth place. Some "big points" were missed, of course. The reasons are different. This year we took the field on 56 shots, last year it was 52, while two years ago the games absolved were "only" 44. In addition, between injuries and disqualifications, Mattia Croci-Torti has not been able to have the whole roster at his disposal as he would have liked consistently. Looking at injuries, we will analyze the situation carefully for improvement in this aspect as well. There is no such thing as just Lugano or just Chicago. Everything is agreed upon through a common vision. There are aspects that can and must be improved, to grow as individuals and as a team".
In key-market, "we have already talked with our coach so that we have an ideal mix in the squad. We are keen to scout out the right young people who will give us a hand in chasing our goals. We are looking for this kind of profile. It is always a challenge; we are constantly looking for solutions that are functional to the team's performance. We are looking for elements who are hungry and with a desire to show dedication to our audience in Cornaredo".
MATTIA CROCI-TORTI: "GOAL TO BE MORE HIGH-PERFORMING"
For the leader of the HCL first team "it is normal to thoroughly analyze what has been done, whether positive or negative. It is also necessary to understand the causes. With "bocce fermo," there is some management that I could have carried on in a better way and in a different way. Life, however, does not go on just thinking about regrets. Even if mistakes were made, I hope I am good enough to understand and correct them. In the end, I can say that we were very good from July to March. To be better, we will have to be able to perform well in the other two months (April and May) as well. If you want to achieve team goals, you have to take a step back about personal ones".
Regarding the numerous seasonal defections, "I have to find strategies, and every time there is an injury you should not point the finger at other people. Unfortunately, in the midweek rounds, both in the league and in Europe, something at the level of injuries did not work. I am the first to say that I am not happy with this situation. It is a crucial aspect that has been lacking in the important matches. To reiterate, the first person responsible for what happens under me is me. This year we have been even more "aggressive" internally. Playing in a continental tournament is great. Playing in large stadiums is equally fabulous, but the mix of synthetic fields and natural grass grounds will have a complicated management again".
THE SUMMER CALENDAR IS MAPPED OUT
Meanwhile, the first important dates of the HCL summer have been announced. It will start on Monday, June 2, with the "pre-opening of the AIL Arena Experience Center," which will open its doors the following day. From June 24 to July 5, the first team will hold a training camp in Caslano with three one-day transfers to Maggia (Thursday, June 26), Blenio (Saturday, June 28) and a location being determined (Sunday, June 29). There will be an early season press conference on Tuesday, July 22, and the "FC Lugano Golf Trophy 2025" will be offered on Friday, September 19.
