Rönnberg silences doubts, leads fribourg-gotteron to historic title
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A swan song for the legends
Roger Rönnberg, a name now inextricably linked with Fribourg-Gottéron, delivered precisely what the city had craved: a championship. But amidst the jubilant chaos following a dramatic ‘Belle’ victory, the coach, unsurprisingly, deflected all praise, insisting on elevating the contributions of his seasoned veterans.
Immediately after the nail-biting conclusion, Rönnberg, a man seemingly untouched by the immense pressure, prioritized his long-standing players, a testament to his ethos. Nico Ilic, capturing the moment on camera, observed Rönnberg’s understated demeanor, a stark contrast to the expected fanfare of a title-winning celebration. He wasn’t interested in personal recognition; his focus remained squarely on the club’s storied past.
“It’s not about me”
“It’s not about me,” Rönnberg stated emphatically to MySports, a sentiment echoing throughout the club. Instead, he immediately highlighted the foundational pillars of his team – Reto Berra and Julien Sprunger – acknowledging their vital role in the improbable triumph. His words, particularly directed toward his captain, resonated with genuine emotion: “I couldn’t be happier. Look at Julien, he absolutely deserved this. He’s a wonderful person to coach, a true leader. I’m so incredibly grateful to have coached such a fantastic team.”
Despite the euphoria, Rönnberg remained a remarkably grounded figure, a trait rarely seen in those basking in the glow of success. He admitted the intensity of the playoffs had left him somewhat detached, struggling to fully process the magnitude of the victory. Rather than dwelling on his own team’s achievements, he offered a generous tribute to the Bündner Wild, conceding that the series had been an exceptionally tight affair, punctuated by a string of fortunate bounces over four grueling overtime periods.
Respect for the opposition
“You have to understand that it was an extremely close series,” Rönnberg explained. “We had a few lucky bounces in those four overtimes. First and foremost, my deepest respect to Davos and their fans.”
The victory represents a watershed moment for Fribourg-Gottéron, a city that had long awaited a championship. Rönnberg’s leadership, combined with the unwavering commitment of his squad, has rewritten the narrative, etching his name into the club’s history. And, perhaps more importantly, he’s demonstrated that true leadership isn’t about seeking the spotlight, but about elevating those around you.