Bad air in St. Gallen? Differences between Coach Zeidler and Captain Gertler? At least according to the St.Galler Tagblatt report, the intra-club structure has long been broken – also due to the tactical orientation, uncontested afterburner football under Zeidler.

Both sides vehemently denied these reports after the friendly match against Linz, acknowledging only that there had been intense discussions.

But what also shines through: at least there is potential for conflicts and discussions, two Germans are unhappy with the result of last season.

6th place (was) not enough

In the past, St. Gallen liked to avoid clear targets. The risk of missing hard targets is too great, and then you will have to bear the consequences.

The approach was more opportunistic: let’s see how it goes, and then the goal is somewhere between non-relegation and the European qualification. As a result, the sixth place was not enough, which caused disappointment – but the course for the upcoming season was set.

Coach Peter Seidler made it clear after the Linz game that St. Gallen wanted to go to Europe as soon as possible. So: 6th place is enough, at least for now. In the new format, St. Gallen will advance to the championship round after 33 games and continue to fight for European places.

Strengthening the defense

Despite the (possibly perceived) conflict at the club, so far both preparations and transfers have been promising. With “Glücks” comes Betim Fazlidzhi, a veteran and proven player who wants to prove something.

In addition to him, there are other newcomers to the defense: Abdoulaye Diaby brings physique, Zanotti and Janicek promise finesse in the construction of the game. FCSG needs more stability at the back, it was great up front with 66 goals scored (the best number since the YB champion). But here, too, everything is shuffled:

Jérémy Guillemino is gone, Nicolai Möller is the new youngster in attack and young striker Albin Krasniqi is another one in the starting lineup. One big question mark remains: what about top scorer Emanuel Latte Lata, who was on loan from Espen last season?

According to coach Peter Seidler, the Ivorian wants to move to St. Gallen and is said to have turned down Red Star Belgrade. Another question is whether the club will be able to implement the transfer. One with relatively high numbers.

Attack on Villarreal

A big win over Villarreal made people sit up and take notice on the pitch as Espen finished off the 21/22 Champions League semi-finalists 6-1 although they are still in the early days of preparation.

Nevertheless: This is a very good result Unlike the Spaniards, St. Gallen showed playfulness, attacking drive and some freshness. If you let the FCSG do whatever they want with their full football then such exciting games are possible.

The only thing is that there is no plan B, which, according to rumors, provoked internal tensions and actually cost St. Gallen games and points. Coach Peter Seidler hinted that everyone needs to get better again, including himself.

Tactical reorientation? Probably no. St. Gallen must remain predictable in this regard and rather try to get the most out of their pressing machine, become more efficient and prove on the pitch that everyone at the club is really united.

FC St. Gallen plays the first game of the season at home at Kibunpark against Basel. Beginning on Saturday at 18:00. The game is also available live on FM1Today.