Andreas Nicoletti (front) moves to FC Obermais. © Sarah Mitterer

Lots of movement on the Lahn: The new FC Obermais

The 2023/24 league season has already been history for almost three weeks. The clubs have long since started planning for the coming season - including FC Obermais, where a lot has already happened.

31 Maj 2024

From: dl

FC Obermais played a strong first half of the season (with two cup triumphs) before the Merano team collapsed in the second half of the season and had to settle for 8th place in the end. Not enough for the high demands on the Lahn. A lot is happening in Obermais in the summer, as sports director Michael Höller says SportNews-Conversation confirmed.

With Jan Pichler, Marco Paulmichl, Felix Lintner and Andreas Nicoletti The Blue and Whites have already bagged four new signings. Pichler was unable to help St. Martin Moos this year due to a herniated disc, but the midfielder is considered highly talented. Paulmichl was head of defense in Latsch for years and played a major role in the fact that the Vinschgers have long since established themselves in the regional league. Now the 29-year-old gets his chance in the league.

Defender Marco Paulmichl moves from Latsch to Obermais. © Sarah Mitterer

Lintner, who trained at Bozner FC, has stormed for Terlan in recent years. “He is a real fighter, physically strong and fast. We were missing a player like that recently,” said Höller. In addition, Nicoletti, a long-time major league player, is coming to the FCO. The attacking midfielder was captain of Lana before he last played for Gargazon in the 1st Amateur League. “He now lives in Meran and has been on our list for a long time,” explained Höller.

Painful exits

Obermais has not only strengthened itself well, but also has to let go of some top performers. The homegrown ones Hannes Sonnenburger and Hannes Gamper move to their home club in Algund in the 2nd amateur league. “Of course that hurts. Sonnenburger, for example, played all 30 games this year. But you have to respect the decision,” said the sports director about the departure of the two young defensive players.

Central defender Hannes Sonnenburger is moving from Obermais to Algund. © det

In addition, he becomes an offensive man Younes Jamai left the FCO for France for work reasons. Jacob Klotzner is shorter for study reasons, Michael Kainz However, he is looking for a new challenge. According to Höller, the squad planning has not yet been completed: “We are still looking for a defender and possibly also a midfielder.”

Top scorer remains

There was also an important personality that needed to be clarified: top scorer Manuel Brusco (21 goals) stays with Obermais and does not move to Lavis in Serie D. The experienced coach will also be there Flavio Toccoli Going into his third season with the Merano district club.

Manuel Brusco remains loyal to Obermais.

Höller explained the following about his goals for the season: “We want to do better than last season and simply improve. We would also like to continue to rely on our strong youth. At the end of the season, some of the boys had already performed well in the first team.”