Kuster with Winterthur

On the Swiss bench towards Europe

Goalkeeper Markus Kuster is sitting on the bench more than he plays this year.(Bild: PETER KLAUNZER / Keystone / picturedesk.com)

FC Winterthur was almost relegated last season, but this year the chance of reaching the international places seems huge. Right in the middle of it all is Burgenland keeper Markus Kuster, for whom the role of "two" remains that of a spectator.

Since the start of the second half of the season, they have lost just one of 14 games and made a huge leap in the Swiss Super League table. FC Winterthur has developed steadily in recent months. And was rewarded with a place in the upper play-off, the Championship group. A strong season for a club that narrowly avoided relegation in the summer of 2023.

Markus Kuster (30) is also celebrating the run of success. Albeit from the bench. "Nothing has changed in my situation, and it will probably stay that way until the end," says the goalkeeper of the "Krone".

Every footballer wants to play, that goes for me too, of course.

Markus Kuster über seine Reservistenrolle bei Winterthur

Who accepts his reserve role as a "two-man", but can't get to grips with it. "Everyone wants to play, that goes for me too." But there's no getting past Marvin Keller. The keeper, who is on loan from Young Boys, conceded 42 goals in 27 games, an average of 1.56 per game. He kept six clean sheets.

Not outstanding, but passable stats. With him, the team should definitely be heading for Europe. The top three places seem to be set in stone, fourth place - a qualifying place for the Conference League - seems entirely possible for "Winti". 
"That would be madness"
Even if the goalkeeper from Pama will only be a spectator ("there's no trend for the summer yet, I'm leaving everything open"), he is excited about the path to international business. "If we actually manage that, it would be amazing for the club."