Christian Gross: Approaching the challenge with courage and confidence

The Swiss is familiar with teams in tough situations. Alongside the numerous jobs in which Gross has won league titles and lifted trophies, he also helped Tottenham Hotspur avoid relegation from the top-flight in 1997/98 thanks to a successful second half of the season. Eleven years ago, he also led VfB Stuttgart out of a sticky situation, rising from 16th place to 15th in the Bundesliga. 

It had recently been reported that Gross had called time on his career, but the coach who worked for Al-Ahli in Saudi Arabia until February 2020 denied those reports. “I have always remained open to returning as a coach if an exciting opportunity came about,” said Gross, who already knows head of sport Jochen Schneider from their time together in Stuttgart. After Schneider initiated contact, Gross didn’t need long to think about things. “I was surprised by the phone call at first, but after that I was really happy. We want to approach this job with the same verve that we had in Stuttgart,” said the coach.

First game away to Hertha BSC

Gross believes that he can have a successful spell with the Royal Blues, beginning on Saturday away to Hertha BSC (2nd January). That means that there isn’t much time for him to get to know the team and share his philosophies with the players. Gross’ first impressions of the team have been good. “The players were really focused at my introduction. We have to take on our mission with togetherness, courage and confidence. For me it’s important to feel the enthusiasm from every single player,” said the Swiss. “We have to be solid, defend more tightly together, show courage and be intelligent on the pitch. And we have to make ourselves aware that it is a marathon, not a sprint – and one that might go down to the very last game.”

In the recent past, the Swiss has kept a close eye on the Bundesliga and FC Schalke 04, and he has been putting the Royal Blues performances under even closer scrutiny of late. He has also been in touch with Huub Stevens, who has been in charge of the team as interim head coach. “I have already thought hard about the team,” said the 66-year-old. “But I’ve been keeping those thoughts to myself. Every player will have the chance to show what he can do.”

The new head coach expects the team to improve in various areas. “We can become more compact and improve our efficiency. We have to do more going forwards. It’s also really important for us to concede fewer goals. The team has to give everything, then they can do that.”