“There is no South Tyrolean bonus at FCS”

Mr. Pfeifer, there has been speculation for weeks about a farewell to sports director Luca Piazzi. Is there a plan B if Piazzi doesn't fulfill his contract, which runs until the summer of 2016?

“Of course we are monitoring what is happening very closely, but we have not made contact with any potential successor. Why? If Piazzi really says goodbye, he would first have to inform us of this intention, after all he has a valid contract. Our sports director is currently busy working with the coaching staff to put together a powerful team for the coming season.”

Will this team also include captain Hannes Kiem?

“Kiem is tied to FC Südtirol until June 30th. We have until then to make a final decision and possibly offer him a contract extension. Here we will follow the advice of the sporting management, which is currently getting an overall picture and will then decide whether Kiem can continue to help us in the future.

So do the captain and longest-serving FCS professional only have sporting criteria?

“We have neither a loyalty bonus nor a South Tyrolean bonus. That's a fact! The player has to be convincing in terms of sportsmanship; his origins or past are secondary factors.”

The future of Gabriel Brugger is also open. Has the sporting management already decided on this personnel issue?

“No, a decision will be made in the next few weeks. Another year as a professional with hardly any playing time would not be satisfactory for Brugger either, so the coach has to tell us whether he would like to use him in the future or not.

Other players such as Chinellato, Pacifico and Zullo still have a contract with FCS but are expected to be released. Is there any news regarding this?

“So far we have not found a buyer for these players. Our sports director is currently trying to find a solution, just like in the Manuel Marras case. We would like to sign the player, but we have to wait for the decision of his parent club Spezia, who have the opportunity to bring him back.”

In the coming season, FC Südtirol will face well-known opponents in the Lega Pro such as Serie B relegated Brescia, Cittadella and Varese. To what extent does this influence your objectives?

“It is still premature to talk about any goals for the coming season. What is certain, however, is that it will probably be the most difficult and at the same time most interesting season in a long time. Let's not forget that there are numerous top clubs in our area, such as Pavia and Cremonese, plus newly promoted Padova. There are several treats waiting for the spectators, but enormous challenges for the players.”

You already seem full of energy again. Has the criticism of the past weeks and months been completely reflected on you? “I have been working in football for a few years now and know how this business works. You are quickly celebrated and declared a hero, only to be portrayed as a total idiot again moments later. We had to experience this brutal rollercoaster last season. But I have the necessary steadfastness and at the same time the conviction that better times will come again."

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“There is no South Tyrolean bonus at FCS”

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