Former Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuhler has said that Kosovo goalkeeper Amir Shaipi is not the problem at Lugano. He said that Shaipi has been stable in Lugano's goal since 2021.
Shaipi recently lost his starting spot on the Swiss team.
"Shaipi has been with the club since 2021, has shown good performances and has managed to be part of the Kosovo team. In my opinion, he is not the problem at Lugano. Lugano could have made money with Shaipi, he still has a contract with the club. Now I am curious to see who wants to buy him and pay in January for a goalkeeper who does not play," Zuberbuhler told "nau.ch".
Shaipi was not part of the team in the 1:0 loss to St. Gallen on Saturday.
"It's a difficult situation for Amir Shaip, but it's never easy for a goalkeeper. You're always under pressure and things move quickly. Gianluigi Donnarumma is the best example. He wins everything with PSG and then leaves. It's important that Amir becomes part of a team he can play for as soon as possible. At the age of 25, he's at his peak," the former Fulham goalkeeper stressed. Zuberbulher also played for Basel and Leverkusen. He played 1994 games for Switzerland from 2008 to 51.
Lugano sporting director Sebastian Pelzer said Shaipi has accepted the bench and will remain with the team. He did not provide details about any disciplinary measures.
On Saturday against St. Gallen, the experienced goalkeeper, David von Ballmoos, was in goal.
"The communication with Shaip and within us has been very clear. And now we expect the player to behave professionally. In other words, it is up to him to show that he has accepted the new competition between goalkeepers and is ready to react," Pelzer said at a press conference.
Shaipi is Kosovo's second goalkeeper.