Can you die from too much expectation? FC Thun is shaken by its championship but wants to stay true to itself

FC Thun faces a challenging start to its season, beginning with an unfamiliar coach and a crucial Champions League qualifier against Dinamo Zagreb. The club, which achieved a surprising league title last season, has undergone significant upheaval. Head coach Mauro Lustrinelli departed for Bundesliga club Union Berlin, and key players like Franz-Ethan Meichtry and Elmin Rastoder were sold for substantial transfer fees. The team also lost its "heartpiece," Leonardo Bertone, who was forced out of the club.

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I was never there, as you all know.

New coach Gian-Luca Privitelli, a relatively unknown figure in football, steps into a high-pressure environment. He acknowledges the intensity of the current situation, with the league opener and the European campaign demanding immediate attention. Privitelli, who previously coached at lower-league clubs and youth levels, emphasizes modesty and a grounded approach. He admits he is not accustomed to large crowds or the spotlight, a stark contrast to the expectations now placed upon him.

The club's remarkable championship run has brought both success and disruption. While the league title was a historic achievement, it also exposed the centrifugal forces common in Swiss club football, where players and staff often move on to bigger opportunities. The departure of Lustrinelli and the sale of key players generated over 8 million euros in transfer revenue, highlighting the financial realities of the sport.

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What could be better?

Despite the departures and the new coaching staff, FC Thun aims to stay true to its core identity. The team must now prove it can adapt and succeed amidst these changes, navigating the pressures of European competition and domestic league play. The upcoming second leg against Dinamo Zagreb in Croatia will be a significant test of their resilience and ability to perform under pressure.

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Probably nothing.