Simon Laner: “I can finally develop on the pitch”

Simon Laner, what conclusion do you draw after six months in the second highest league in Switzerland?

“After my long injury break, I just wanted to play continuously again. This opportunity was offered to me in Chiasso. Here I have an important role in the game and can finally develop fully on the pitch. On top of that, in Switzerland I get to know a new league and a completely different environment. That was one of the reasons for the decision.”

Things aren't going well for Chiasso at the moment. How do you explain the continued lack of victory? “This is an extremely balanced championship. The perfect example is our unfortunate 1-2 defeat against Aarau on the last matchday. If we had won this match, we would have catapulted ourselves up in one fell swoop, so we are still at the bottom of the table. Since almost all teams play at the same level, it is difficult to define clear goals for the season. What is striking, however, is that there are hardly any tactical constraints here. Everyone plays open, attacking football and puts a lot of effort into their work.”

Is that why Chiasso hired an experienced Italian coach in Giancarlo Camolese?

“Last year, world champion Gianluca Zambrotta trained here, now the club management is relying on Giancarlo Camolese. Both had and still have a very difficult time, as tactics and certain forms of play have simply not been a big priority in this league so far. Although Camolese has already managed to give our team more stability.”

Have you personally really settled into Swiss football now?

“It was definitely a big change for me. I miss the support of the fans a little, as I was used to from my time at Hellas Verona. In addition, there is hardly any pressure from the environment. I've already spoken about this with my teammate Andrea Dossen, who has played in Serie A and the Premier League in the past. Here it is up to you to find the right approaches and to always keep your motivation at its peak. On the other hand, this also has great advantages, for example you can concentrate fully on your daily work on the football field. I try to take advantage of this aspect.”

Some nostalgia seeps through her words. To what extent do you follow the events at your former clubs, especially the development of your parent club Hellas Verona, which is at the bottom of the table in Serie A?

“My heart continues to beat for Verona, that is without question. I am a fan of this club and at the same time I am contractually bound to it. My loan at Chiasso expires in the summer and I will return to Verona. Apart from that, I of course sympathize with my former teammates. They got off to the worst possible start to the season and put themselves under a lot of pressure right from the start. Now it's difficult to get out of there. In the upcoming derby against Chievo, three points are absolutely necessary in order not to completely lose sight of the saving bank. Defender Moras, with whom I speak on the phone from time to time, also sees it that way. He is one of the few remaining from the team that was promoted at the time. Halfredsson and Rafael recently left the club. This also shows that we footballers always have our suitcases packed.”

Speaking of packed suitcases: Will you be moving on from Verona in the summer? “Now all my attention is on FC Chiasso. What will happen in a few months is still completely open. The fact is that Hellas Verona continues to hold my transfer rights. Of course, I would love to put on the yellow and blue jersey again, but if the club management decides to let me go again, I have to accept that. In the meantime, I want to recommend myself here in Chiasso with good performances.”

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Simon Laner: “I can finally develop on the pitch”

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