FC Basel sack Stephan Lichtsteiner, Nocentini takes interim charge

FC Basel have dismissed head coach Stephan Lichtsteiner after just seven league games, with the team taking only one point from the most recent week. Assistant Luigi Nocentini takes interim charge as Sandro Wagner is considered a candidate for the permanent role.

FC Basel have sacked head coach Stephan Lichtsteiner with immediate effect. The 42-year-old, who took the role at the end of January, collected just ten points from his first seven league games, with the team taking only one point from the most recent week.

The club currently sit fourth in the Super League with 13 points from eight matches, six points behind leaders Lugano. Recent form has been inconsistent: a 4-2 win at Luzern last weekend was preceded by a 1-3 home defeat to Lugano and a 1-2 loss to Sion. The full season fixtures show the next challenge is at home to fifth-placed St. Gallen this weekend.

Nocentini takes interim charge

Assistant coach Luigi Nocentini will take charge of the team on an interim basis. He will be responsible for preparing the side for the upcoming home fixture. Assistant coach Mario Cantaluppi also leaves the club alongside Lichtsteiner.

Wagner considered as successor

Sandro Wagner is being considered as a potential new head coach. Former Mainz coach Bo Henriksen has also previously been in talks for the Basel job. The club must now move quickly to make an appointment to steady a season in which they have scored 16 goals but conceded 14. The current squad overview shows the group the interim boss will work with.