--- source: thedugout.football generated: 2026-07-24T18:56:22.877Z last_updated: 2026-07-16T05:00:00+00:00 data_provider: API-Football canonical: https://thedugout.football/clubs/norwich-city/news/aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZWRwMjQuY28udWsvc3BvcnQvMjYyODM1MjMuY2FuLW5vcndpY2gtY2l0eS1leHBlY3Qtc3QtZ2FsbGVuLXN3aXR6ZXJsYW5kLz9yZWY9cnNz --- # Rich history and intensity: What can City expect from St Gallen? - **Source:** - **Published:** 16 Jul - **Club:** Norwich City - **Original URL:** https://www.edp24.co.uk/sport/26283523.can-norwich-city-expect-st-gallen-switzerland/?ref=rss Norwich City take a major step up in their pre-season programme on Friday when they travel to Switzerland to face St Gallen, which could be their toughest warm-up fixture. It represents a seismic step up in opponents after two cobweb blowing matches against King's Lynn Town and Colchester United. Norwich are hoping to welcome back several options for the clash at the Kybunpark. To get a clearer picture of Norwich’s latest pre-season opponents, Connor Southwell spoke to Ralf Streule of the St Galler Tagblatt, who outlined a club shaped by recent stability, strong regional identity and a growing sense of momentum, even amid the off-field tensions that have tested that progress in recent months. CS: Can you give us a brief summary of St Gallen? What sort of club are they? RS: FC St. Gallen is the oldest football club on mainland Europe. It was founded by young English merchants who were attending school in the region. Today, the club is known for having the largest catchment area of any Swiss football club. Its supporters are widely regarded as some of the most passionate and loyal in the country – perhaps partly because they have endured so many years of disappointment. Despite its large fan base, St. Gallen have won only two Swiss league titles (1904 and 2000) and two Swiss Cups (1969 and 2026). CS: From the outside, last season seemed a real success. How is viewed by fans? RS: The club's recent development has been very positive. After years of instability between 2000 and 2017, things changed in 2018 when Matthias Hüppi, a Swiss broadcasting legend, became president. Hüppi had been one of Switzerland's best-known football and skiing commentators and is a lifelong St. Gallen supporter. He laid the foundations for what is now often referred to across Switzerland as the "green-and-white movement". The club appointed the right people to key positions and has grown both on and off the pitch without relying on a wealthy benefactor. Norwich will travel to Switzerland expecting a major step up in competition. (Image: Paul Chesterton/Focus Images Ltd) Initially, Peter Zeidler brought an emotional, high-pressing style of football. He has since been replaced by German coach Enrico Maassen, whose team plays a more varied and tactically flexible game. Sporting director Roger Stilz is originally from the region but spent many years working in Germany, which also explains why the squad features so many German players. The recent Swiss Cup triumph sparked huge celebrations, with more than 50,000 fans filling the streets of St. Gallen. Shortly afterwards, however, the club became embroiled in a major power struggle. A group of shareholders attempted to seize greater control, but widespread public outrage and threats of resignation from key figures eventually forced them to abandon their plans. Many supporters feel the club was effectively saved from opaque ambitions driven by power-hungry individuals. The entire region followed the story closely – and for us journalists, it certainly generated plenty of clicks! CS: This is the final game of pre-season for St Gallen - how has it gone so far? RS: St. Gallen have beaten lower-league opposition during pre-season but also suffered a 6–3 defeat against Lyon. As is often the case, it's difficult to draw too many conclusions from friendly matches. Overall, the squad that finished runners-up in Switzerland last season has remained largely intact. The only major departure is Alessandro Vogt, who joined Bundesliga side Hoffenheim. His loss has not yet really been replaced. Goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi could return for the match after starring for Ghana in their World Cup campaign. (Image: PA) CS: With a European game next week and the league season on the horizon - will St Gallen go strong for this fixture? RS: For St. Gallen, the match against Norwich is the final and therefore the most important pre-season test. They are expected to take it quite seriously. It remains to be seen whether goalkeeper Lawrence Ati Zigi will be available. The Ghana international was his country's first-choice goalkeeper at the FIFA World Cup. CS: What can Norwich expect from St Gallen in terms of style of play and who are the key players to look out for? RS: Four German players are particularly important. Captain Lukas Görtler, now 32, enjoyed another outstanding season in midfield, combining creativity with tremendous energy. Alongside him, Carlo Boukhalfa and Lukas Daschner are key midfielders, while Jozo Stanic is an important figure in defence. Whereas St. Gallen were known until around three years ago for relentless pressing and counter-pressing, their style has evolved. Today, the team relies more on physicality, quick counter-attacks and a more measured pressing approach. CS: What was the reaction to Norwich coming over for a friendly? Do fans know a lot about them? RS: Many football fans in eastern Switzerland have a particular affection for English football. When Norwich City were announced as St. Gallen's pre-season opponents, supporters were genuinely excited—even if most of them didn't know a great deal about the club itself. CS: Is there anything about St Gallen or their support that might surprise Norwich fans? RS: St. Gallen's supporters are extremely enthusiastic, although pre-season friendlies generally attract more modest crowds. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the club is that it has established itself in the upper half of the Swiss league without the backing of a wealthy owner. Instead, it is financed through a broad base of local investors and supporters. The stadium also hosted matches during last year's UEFA Women's European Championship, while the Swiss national team regularly uses it as a base before major international tournaments. Both the stadium and the club's infrastructure are considered among the best in Switzerland. St Gallen's Kybunpark hosted matches in the Uefa Women's Euros - which was won by England. (Image: PA) CS: Can you offer any recommendations for Norwich fans while they are in St Gallen? RS: St. Gallen is famous for its Abbey Library—the oldest library in Switzerland—and its magnificent Baroque cathedral. Both form part of the UNESCO World Heritage site. The old town is well worth a visit. If you need to cool off, head to the "Drei Weieren", a series of historic public swimming ponds on the hill overlooking the city. Alternatively, Lake Constance is only a short drive away, as are the picturesque mountains of the traditional Appenzell region.