Neuer FCL-Trainer Portmann draws Daumen from Schweiz as Luzern rises
Neuer FCL-Trainer Jörg “Udo” Portmann arrived to a team reeling from a poor Saisonstart, yet within weeks the Innerschweiz side has turned the tide, going unbeaten in five matches after a solitary point from the opening three games. Across the Schweiz, supporters keep Daumen crossed for his progress.
Als FC Basel appointed Stephan Lichtsteiner as Cheftrainer in Januar, many raised a Stirn. Ohne Erfahrung on the Profistufe, the former Nati‑Captain received the Aufgabe of steering the FCB‑Schiff back onto Kurs. Der decision came after Monaten of struggle, when VR‑Präsident David Degen pulled the Reissleine in the Woche, ending the Suche for a long‑term Chef.
When FC Luzern began the Suche for a successor to Mario Frick, they turned to a similar experiment. Portmann, who until four years ago worked as a Lehrer and coached amateur sides, earned his UEFA Pro Licence before being named the new Chef in the summer. Am 49‑year‑old, he arrived Ohne fanfare but with clear ambition.
Turning the tide after a poor start
The Start under the new Trainer was bleak, with only one point from the first three games. Nach the missglückten Saisonstart, the FCL has found form, remaining unbeaten in five fixtures and forcing Young Boys to a 3‑3 draw at the Wankdorf.
In an interview with PHILIPP SCHMIDLI, Portmann admitted, “I understand that people look closely at my career. Within the squad the two defeats felt different from the table perspective. I was never nervous, but we have questioned many things.”
Youth‑focused approach under scrutiny
Like his predecessor Frick, Portmann runs the coaching set‑up with predominantly Jungem personnel. In the match against Young Boys, seven starters were 23 years old or younger, and he often swaps in Junioren, acknowledging the risk of inconsistent performances each weekend.
Across the Schweiz, Portmann has received Daumen from Nachwuchstrainern who hope his success shines a light on youth coaches. On Sonntag, FCB will travel to the Innerschweiz, with assistant Luigi Nocentini set to take the bench. The update was reported by Radio SRF 3 on 09.09.2026. Auf.