According to media reports, Marvin Keller is “one of the most sought-after Swiss young goalies.” The 21-year-old, who is also part of the U21 national team, has been under a (long-term) contract with Young Boys Bern since February, but recently moved to FC Winterthur on loan.
There, two-man goalie Jozef Pukaj surprisingly resigned and had his contract with FCW terminated at short notice. A corresponding exemption for U21 players trained in Switzerland made Keller’s short-term move possible despite the transfer window already being closed. He should get more match practice at his new club than in Bern and quickly fill the gap left by Pukaj. At the Swiss Super League club, where he works under coach Patrick Framework (who was previously the U21 team boss), Marvin Keller is not intended as a two-man goalie, but as a one-man goalie.
This is where Markus Kuster comes into play. The 29-year-old professional from Pama moved to FC Winterthur last winter, where he was able to establish himself as number one in the spring. The result was a contract extension with the Swiss club until 2025.
The long-time number one from SV Mattersburg was always there in the new Super League season 23/24. After initial difficulties (only one point from the first three games), Winterthur recently scored seven points from three matches. “Our performance was good, the curve was clearly going up,” says Kuster about the status quo.
Since Keller’s move, he has had to accept that he is only number two. Last weekend the new goalkeeper was already in action in the 2-1 cup win in Aarau. Kuster had to sit on the bench.
He will not be spared this sporting fate in the future. Coach Frame spoke out in favor of Keller – and made this clear to Kuster. He logically has to accept the decision, but he finds it very difficult to understand it because: “There was no sporting justification, I didn’t do anything wrong. We’ve been working really well as a team lately, in terms of performance and in the table (note: sixth place in the twelve-team league with eight points after six games) there would have been no reason for changes.” It was clear that Winterthur had to take action due to Pukaj’s departure . For Kuster, factors such as competition and the like are also completely normal in this business. “But I don’t seem to be getting a fair sporting opportunity here, but instead have to accept a fundamental decision during the season without prior notice. The way it is done is honestly very frightening and disappointing to me. I have never experienced something like that. I was the clear and undisputed number one, now everything is suddenly different – and I can’t change anything about it.”
“I would like to continue to impress with my performance”
Tough competition – Kuster already knows this challenge from his time at Karlsruher SC. However, the decision regarding number one at the German second division club was made as planned after the preparation, in which Kuster and his then goalie colleague Marius Gersbeck matched each other. Now he has a youngster in front of him, Keller, so the sporting competition will be rather difficult. “Of course I want to impress with my performance, so I will continue to give everything in training. The fact is that I have to accept the new situation now and will reassess the situation afterwards.” The decision is definitely a mentally difficult setback, and Markus Kuster cannot and does not want to hide that: “To set the course so radically right away, that is incomprehensible to me.”
Now it is important to function quickly in the new position. On Saturday Winterthur continues in the Super League against Lausanne. Markus Kuster will then have to sit on the bench. With what perspective? “I have a contract with Winterthur, I feel extremely comfortable here and will continue to work hard. Everything else will become apparent.”
2023-09-22 17:53:54
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