Former FC Basel coach Marcel Koller is facing a major challenge with FC Zürich in the Swiss Super League. NZZ Sport looks back at his turbulent time at Basel and his current mission in Zürich.

Koller, 65, managed FC Basel between 2018 and 2020. This period was marked by internal conflicts. Sporting director Marco Streller wanted to replace the coach, while entrepreneur Bernhard Burgener supported him. A loud incident in the dressing room indicated Koller temporarily lost control. Goalkeeper Jonas Omlin opposed him and forced a transfer. In a 2019 NZZ interview, Koller said about it: "Gekränkt? Ja, vielleicht. Aber desavouiert ist ein zu großes Wort." ("Hurt? Yes, maybe. But disavowed is too big a word.")

What did Koller's career after Basel look like?

After his dismissal in Basel, Marcel Koller's path led to Egypt with al Ahly Cairo. There, after a defeat, he even experienced plastic bottles being thrown at him. He held this demanding position from 2022 to 2025. Before that, the Swiss native coached the Austrian national team from 2011 to 2017. He led them to Euro 2016 but missed the 2018 World Cup. Back in 2014, he was considered for the Swiss national coach job but lost out to Vladimir Petković. Stints in the German Bundesliga with 1. FC Köln and SC Bochum round out his profile.

What is Koller's current task in Zürich?

At FC Zürich, Marcel Koller has signed a contract with no fixed term. President Ancillo Canepa values his "competence and integrity" and supports him more than previous coaches. The president's official advisor, Dino Lamberti, is also involved. Koller's long-standing coaching team with Harald Gämperle and Carlos Bernegger is on board. The current season is proving difficult. After a 2:4 defeat to Young Boys, FCZ has six points from six games with a goal difference of 9:16. This is a worse start than under his predecessors Bo Henriksen, Ricardo Moniz, or Mitchell van der Gaag, who left after nine games. Dennis Hediger also had a better beginning.

What is FC Basel's current situation?

While Koller struggles in Zürich, FC Basel currently sits in 5th place in the Super League. The team has taken 10 points from seven games (3 wins, 1 draw, 3 losses) with a goal record of 12:12. They trail league leaders FC Lugano by eight points. Basel's next match is a home game against FC St. Gallen on September 20, 2026. The full schedule of upcoming fixtures can be found on the fixtures page.

What characterizes Marcel Koller as a person?

The former international, who earned 58 caps for Switzerland, remains calm even in difficult phases. On the touchline, he often stands with his hands in his pockets. "Ich bin so. Ich erzähle das aber nicht herum" ("That's how I am. But I don't go around telling people"), he describes himself. As a player for Grasshoppers, he won seven league titles and five cup victories, making around 550 appearances for the club. He passes on this experience. He emphasizes that young players should not be "stamped into the ground" immediately. In Zürich, he gave 20-year-old Doron Lichtenstein his debut against YB. At the same time, he temporarily suspended Juan José Perea after the player protested about not playing. Koller views his contract pragmatically: "Wenn es nicht stimmt, gehen wir wieder auseinander" ("If it doesn't work out, we'll go our separate ways"). FC Basel's detailed squad list is available on the squad page. The current Super League table is shown in the standings.

FC Basel hosts fourth-placed FC St. Gallen at their home arena on September 20.