KELLER Pressure Moves – FCW Remains First Class

It has been official since the end of May: FC Winterthur is staying in the Super League. After a difficult start to the season, the team earned its way back into the league. After the final whistle of the last decisive match of the season, we know for sure – FCW remains first class.

But what role does KELLER Pressure play in this and why does our seagull fly over the boards of Schützenwiese, the home stadium of FC Winterthur? The answer to this lies in a long-standing relationship. We have been the main sponsor since 1998 and have also owned the club since 2001. At that time, our company founder Hannes W. Keller took over the presidency and saved the club from financial collapse. In 2019, he handed over the presidency to his son Mike Keller, who has continued to run the club with great commitment ever since.

In this interview, Mike tells us how he experienced the season and what connections he sees between KELLER Pressure and FCW.

FCW is back in the first division for another year. What was going through your mind when you realised that the class retention was certain?

Above all, I was relieved. Relieved, because the last few months have demanded a lot of strength and nerves from all of us. Six weeks before the end of the season, we were in last place, 12 points behind the place to stay in the league – the whole of footballing Switzerland had already written us off. We had to fight and tremble right up to the last minute of the game, but we all never gave up believing that we could do it.

We will soon be starting our fourth season in the Super League. The last time FCW played in the top division of Swiss football for so long was in the 77/78 season. What does this success mean to you – as a fan, as president and as an entrepreneur?

As president and entrepreneur, I am proud of all the members of the club and how we have successfully pulled together as an entire organisation. At around 16 million Swiss francs, we still have the smallest budget in the entire league. We have to invest and spend every franc wisely. This makes it all the more important that we work together as a team not only on the pitch, but also off the pitch and in the clubhouse. I feel a very strong bond with FCW. Everyone is passionate and fully committed. As a fan, I am grateful that we as FCW are still in the top league and that we can experience exciting football matches together with thousands of «Winti» fans and hopefully also celebrate victories extensively.

How has the perception of FCW changed in the top league?

FCW enjoys a very good reputation in Swiss football, not only because of the atmosphere in the stadium, but also because of our peaceful fans. With us, you can literally smell and feel the football up close.

What challenges and opportunities do you see for FCW in the Super League in the coming season?

The challenges have been the same for years: Unfortunately, the financial result is not yet balanced, which is why we have to cut the budget for the coming season by around 1 million despite staying in the league. At the same time, we have to generate more and more income in order to reduce the gap between us and the other football clubs. By staying in the league, we still have the opportunity to further develop the club on a structural, sporting, infrastructural and financial level. From a sporting perspective, for example, we are focussing primarily on new, young players.

Do you ever dream of winning the championship?

No, I am realistic enough to realise that this will not be possible with the current framework conditions. We remain humble and grateful for what we have achieved to date.

What is your personal connection with FC Winterthur?

I went to FCW football matches as a young man back in the 1980s. Back then, I would never have thought that our family would one day play an important role in the club. Today, the club is part of the roots that connect me to the city of Winterthur.

What are your responsibilities as President of FC Winterthur?

Together with the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, I give the club a direction in which we want to go together and develop further. In doing so, we are creating an environment and framework conditions that enable all members of this club to be motivated to deliver top performance. Together with the Board of Directors and the Executive Board, it is also my job to achieve sporting success and at the same time balance the finances in a sustainable way. Finally, I am at the Schützenwiese at least once a week for meetings and always seek informal and personal dialogue with players, staff and office employees.

What has been your personal highlight since you became president of FCW?

That was definitely promotion in 2021/2022 season after 37 years in the second top division. It was very unexpected and surprising. Our strategic development was not yet fully developed at that time and we then had to prepare for the Super League within seven weeks. A great effort was made at all levels.

If you were on the pitch yourself, which position would you play?

I played football for SC Veltheim for 25 years. I was always a libero, centre-back or left-back. However, I never made it beyond the 2nd division.

What can we learn from sport – and vice versa?

A few points: Great things can be achieved with teamwork and celebrating successes together is fun and brings people together. And success requires important personal qualities: Passion and commitment, willpower, belief in one's own strengths and potential, willingness to learn, integrity as well as respect and tolerance for the other team members.

Why are we committed to FCW – and what do we get in return?

We have no expectations in this regard. Tobias and I are continuing our father's philosophy: we want to give something back to the city and its population for having found good conditions in Winterthur to build up and successfully develop our company. Today, FCW is a medium-sized company with around 100 jobs and is the city's sporting flagship. FCW carries the name «Winterthur» out into Switzerland. At the same time, it creates prospects for hundreds of young people and promotes team spirit among them. The fortnightly football matches on the Schützenwiese are a fixed date in the diaries of thousands of people from all age groups and walks of life. It's great to see everyone celebrating peacefully and exuberantly together.

What do you wish for the future of FC Winterthur?

I hope that we can establish ourselves sustainably in the Super League, remain true to our philosophy and values and always have a healthy financial base. And if everything goes perfectly, we'll be playing in a renewed, larger stadium in a few years' time.