The ZSC refreshes his old love

came As Arno Del Curto with 19 for the first time to Zurich and as a player in the B Club ZSC hired, was the life in the big city is a culture shock for him. Worlds were at that time still located between St. Moritz and Zürich. "Worlds!" That was in 1975. And also the fog was pressing on his mood. It passed only a couple of weeks, and the homesickness plagued Del Curto disappeared back into the mountains.

But Zurich let go of him since then, never more. Not even during his 22 years as HCD-Trainer. He crashed in 1992 with the "Zett", the "Grande Lugano", as no one from the dream champion title dared, cared for during this long period its Zurich-based relationships. And worked at a glass or two of wine with the former companions of his nearly two years as a ZSC-Coach. Reconciling with players such as Adrian Hotz, whom he had snubbed at the time, with his effervescent style.

For the ZSC, he had reserved a piece in his heart. But those nostalgic people who wanted a return to Del Curtos, were disappointed year after year. Despite numerous Zurich-based approach attempts he could not solve simply by the HCD. And if he had re-signed with the Bündnern, he said the next day: "I think I made a mistake! I've got to go!"

are The Davos help protect

Now it has still worked out – about 25 years after he had to go to the ZSC. And ironically, it was even in Davos Ex-Team that helped him to his happiness. On Sunday late after the 2:1-over time victory of the Grisons in the indoor stadium, his phone rang. ZSC sports chief Sven Leuenberger was in it. The Zurich came to your rivals Lugano, previously, had also stretched out his sensor according to Del Curto.

Video: Del Curtos Interview as the new ZSC-coach The legendary trainer with the people of Zurich. Video: Tamedia

So pain full for Del Curto the process of Detachment of the HC Davos, where he retired at the end of November. He seems ready for a new challenge. Or better: for the ZSC. After a good week of hockey of abstinence, he began again with the Sport, that has influenced his life so much. Recently he spent a week in the Czech city of Liberec, looked at the Coach in Training over the shoulder, and also two games.

"As you can see, I have put on a shirt and a jacket." Arno Del Curto showed in his first appearance as a ZSC-Coach, that he can insert quite. Photo: Samuel Schalch

for him with his return to Zurich, a new era begins, it was only obvious, when he was introduced yesterday around 15 at the media, flanked by General Manager Peter Zahner and sports chief Sven Leuenberger. The press conference appeared long a bit surreal, and the main character, to the dozens of cameras were aimed, seemed not quite comfortable.

The search for the identity

It is never nice when you need to disconnect from the Trainer, said Leuenberger. Serge Aubin and Craig stray had been very surprised by this step. "But for me it is important that a team has a DNA. It is not managed under Aubin, to develop an identity of its own. In addition, we would like to have a Team that is active, initiative that runs a lot and plays to win. And not to lose not to. The team of Arno to run a lot and play with emotions. This is what we want."

Video: Del Curto as ZSC-coach The media conference with the coach legend presented. Video: Tamedia

"If that's what's missing in Zurich," said Del Curto, almost sheepishly, "I might be the right man." Only later, when the official press conference was dissolved, and Del Curto in a single interview questions answered, he was relaxed. Especially when he talked about his past ZSC-times, or about his fascination for the city of Zurich.

Frey wrote a soft spot for him

Arno Del Curto under for the time being until the end of the season. The ZSC Lions not a big risk. And that Aubin and scattered, still have contracts until 2020 will come no later than next season in Germany or Austria in the case of a Club, it can be assumed.

Ultimately I have to approve the Board of Directors President, Walter Frey, the commitment of Del Curtos, said Zahner. "He was in the last time very close to the action." That Frey has a soft spot for Del Curto, is no secret. This was evidently stronger than his dislike of coach dismissals.

Del Curto, Michael Liniger, to be Assisted, to date, the wizard in the GCK Lions. The 39-Year-old completed in the framework of its trainer training in November 2017, a Stage with Del Curto in Davos – and was impressed by the passion of Engadiners and the pace of hockey, the this play had.

this Is also with the people of Zurich? Del Curto smiled: "If you can realise everything, you are a good team. I'm excited to see what we can get out of here. In four, five, six weeks we're talking a glass of Apple juice."

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 14.01.2019, 23:11 PM