Hannes Mussi is involved on many fronts at FC Obermais. © P. Schwienbacher (2)

The indispensable shadow man at FC Obermais

He's the man in the background. The one hardly anyone talks about – and who consequently has to endure far less criticism than the boss. And yet, in modern football, nothing works without an assistant coach. At FC Obermais, that man is Hannes Mussi.

02 October 2026

The days when veteran coaches single-handedly worked the training pitch and the locker room are long gone. This is especially true in high-level amateur football, on the cusp of the professional ranks. FC Obermais, playing in Serie D, employs a co-coach, an assistant coach, an athletic trainer, a goalkeeping coach, and two match analysts.

Most of these coaches aren't always and everywhere present – ​​except for Hannes Mussi. The 39-year-old is the right-hand man of head coach Flavio Toccoli. Mussi is in his third year with FC Obermais and says: "For me, it's a privilege to be involved in the league with FCO. There are many coaches who would love to have such an opportunity."

Mussi's specialty: Set pieces

Mussi, a resident of Riffian and a postman by trade, is responsible for various tasks at Obermais. When the athletic trainer isn't present at training, Mussi leads the warm-up. During sessions, he assists Toccoli wherever needed. "Since we've had two match analysts this year, things have changed quite a bit. Flavio and I no longer have to spend hours analyzing our opponents. We used to do all of that ourselves," Mussi explains.

The boss and his co-worker: Mussi is Flavio Toccoli's right-hand man in his third year.

His main responsibility is set pieces – one of Obermais' strengths. The focus isn't just on corner kicks and free kicks, but also on throw-ins. Especially at their home ground, the "Lahn," where the pitch is a bit narrower than away, FCO is extremely dangerous. "This year we've already scored two goals from long throw-ins," says Mussi. Since their promotion to Serie D, things have changed quite a bit regarding set pieces. "All the opponents are incredibly strong physically and play them really well. We had some problems with them at the beginning," admits Mussi. After switching from zonal to man-marking, things have improved. "So far this year we're doing quite well."

Mussi generally sees the level of play raised in the new season: "The league has improved. Anyone can beat anyone." The Riffian native also believes his FCO is better positioned – especially in terms of experience. "Compared to last season, we've improved in that area. We've also become more consistent in our performances. I'm confident we can achieve our goals," Mussi says, hoping to stay in Serie D.

Obermais challenged in Trieste

On Sunday (12.30 p.m.), FCO faces a challenge at the venerable Nereo Rocco stadium in Trieste. Relegated Triestina has yet to win a match and currently sits on three points. Mussi hopes: "Perhaps now is the right moment to take something away from there." Virtus Bolzano, South Tyrol's other Serie D representative, plays at home against Calvi Noale. The provincial capital's team is looking to bounce back after their humiliating 0-7 defeat a week ago.

Serie D, Group C: Matchday 6

LME – Cjarlins Muzane (Saturday, 4:30 pm)
Triestina – Obermais (Sunday, 12:30 pm)
Schio – Altavilla (Sunday, 15 p.m.)
Brian Lignano – Luparense
Este – Conegliano
Legnago – Bassano
Mestre – Campodarsego
Union Clodiense – Sandona
Virtus Bozen – Calvi Noale