The first, former international defender, ex-coach at Aarau, Lausanne and Young Boys and with the youth of Grasshopper, ended his playing career with the “red and black”.
Martin Rueda, who had finished his playing career in Neuchâtel, feels indebted to the red and black club. KEYSTONE
The second, older, trained at the club, passed through Strasbourg and Servette before closing the loop with the Neuchâtelois and earning his coaching stripes in the region. He then went to Africa, to Sion and then once again to La Maladière where he brought his “baby” to the highest level.
From M16 to M21
Michel Decastel and Martin Rueda were indeed appointed to head the “Xamax Academy” project. A structure put in place to develop the next generation of the club, from U16 to U21. These talented young people are supposed to climb the ladder to the first team, even if they realize that it is difficult to enter the professional world and to impose themselves there.
Two other legends remain at the club: Philippe Perret and his faithful assistant Robert Lüthi keep their hands on the U21s. The two red and black recordmen (the first for the number of matches played and the second for the number of goals scored) will have the mission of preparing players to reach the final level which may lead them to start a professional career.
Marendaz with the M18
In U18, Julien Marendaz was chosen for his already rich career despite his young age. He was notably assistant to the first Lausanne-Sport team and the Swiss U16 selection, head coach at Team Vaud and, until now, at Servette. As a professional trainer, he will also ensure a link with the first team through his role as second assistant.
In U16, Brian Weber, who had already worked at Xamax as a physical trainer and U21 coach, will bring the experience he has gathered at Team Vaud over the past five years. As a teacher at the College des Terreaux in Neuchâtel, he is also fully aware of the difficulties in reconciling school and football.
Et Jörg Stiel …
These coaches will be supported by specialists accustomed to the highest level. The goalkeeper, former international Jörg Stiel, and fitness manager Stefan Messerli, who work with the first team on a daily basis, will continue to invest in the next generation.
Sport-Center / C.Ma.
Created: 10.07.2020, 11:01 p.m.
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