Troublesome beginning for ex-Union forward Kevin Behrens in Switzerland
FC Lugano Struggles Amidst Management Changes and Defensive Woes
In the heart of Swiss football, FC Lugano finds itself in a challenging position, with the team currently experiencing a downturn that has lasted for about six months. The once promising contender for the Swiss championship, leading the table in mid-February, is now battling defensively and lacking the cohesion needed to secure victories.
The arrival of Kevin Behrens in July 2025, signed on a two-year contract after leaving VfL Wolfsburg as a free agent, was expected to reverse the trend following the team's first matchday. Behrens, an experienced attacker, quickly became a key forward for the Swiss side. However, his start at Lugano involved some controversy, with disallowed goals in Europa League qualifiers against CFR Cluj.
Despite these setbacks, Behrens remains an important figure for Lugano. Recently, he has played in all four competitive games for the team this season, starting twice and coming on as a substitute twice. Yet, he has not managed to score a goal or provide an assist for Lugano, but he has picked up two yellow cards.
The team's defensive weaknesses and squad planning issues, including the absence of key defenders Mattia Zanotti and Albian Hajdari, have exacerbated Lugano's league difficulties. These challenges have been further compounded by structural and management issues, as sporting director Carlos Da Silva was dismissed in February 2025, leaving transfer decisions solely to Sebastian Pelzer. This change has impacted the team's ability to replace and stabilize its squad, negatively affecting their league form.
In European competition, Lugano was eliminated from the Europa League qualifiers by CFR Cluj, losing 0-1 after extra time. The contest was tight, marked by two of Behrens’ goals being disallowed for handball and offside. Despite this setback, Lugano continues in the 3rd qualifying round of the UEFA Conference League, facing Slovenian club Celje, a club that previously eliminated them on penalties last year.
As the league business takes centre stage, Lugano faces a long losing streak that has seen them drop to fifth place. They have also suffered a domestic Super League defeat against FC Sion with a score of 0:4. However, Lugano has consistently improved their final positions in recent seasons, finishing fourth, third, and second.
Looking ahead, Lugano will face NK Celje from Slovenia in the first leg on Thursday (20:30). Meanwhile, champions and cup winners FC Basel will visit Lugano on Sunday (16:30).
Behrens, who previously experienced highlights at 1. FC Union Berlin, including Europa League qualification, promotion to the Champions League, and a German national team appearance, has expressed hope for experiencing similar highlights with FC Lugano, such as a title or Champions League qualification.
Despite the current struggles, long-serving coach Mattia Croci-Torti, a figure synonymous with Lugano's success, is now facing criticism. The team has looked very uncertain in the four games played, with no prior context provided about their previous performances at 1. FC Union Berlin.
As the season progresses, Lugano will need to address their defensive issues, manage their squad effectively, and regain their form if they are to challenge for the Swiss championship once again.
FC Lugano, despite the arrival of experienced attacker Kevin Behrens, continues to struggle in the Swiss league, battling defensively and failing to secure victories, a stark contrast to their promising start earlier in the season. In European competitions, Lugano aims to make amends for their elimination from the Europa League qualifiers, as they face Slovenian club Celje in the UEFA Conference League 3rd qualifying round. Behrens, who seeks to replicate his successes at 1. FC Union Berlin, including Champions League qualification, hopes to help Lugano secure a title or qualify for the Champions League in the future.
