Stephan Lichtsteiner

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner undergoes surgery for heart condition

The Swiss international had breathing difficulties during the Old Lady's draw with Frosinone
and is expected to miss a month of football after bring treated for an arrhythmia.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2015/10/02/15954012/-?

Oct 2, 2015

Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner has been operated on for a heart condition and will be out of action for around a month, the club confirmed.

Lichtsteiner was substituted after he complained of respiratory problems during Juve's 1-1 draw with Frosinone on September 23.

The club have revealed that the Switzerland international underwent surgery after being diagnosed with arrhythmia.

"During last week’s match with Frosinone, Stephan Lichtsteiner suffered breathing difficulties due to a benign cardiac arrhythmia (atrial flutter) which later stopped of its own accord," the statement explained.

"Tests and specialist consultancy conducted over the following days suggested surgery to be the best course of action for the defender.

"Dr. Gaita today performed a cardiac ablation operation and Lichtsteiner is expected to return to competitive action within 30 days."

Lichtsteiner's absence is a new blow for the reigning Serie A champions, who are trying to get their season on track after a disappointing start.

Despite winning both Champions League matches against Sevilla and Manchester City, domestic form has not reached expectations and Juve have picked up just five points from their opening six fixtures.

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner undergoes
cardiac surgery, will be out for 30 days

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/10/2/9442505/juventus-defender-stephan-lichtsteiner-undergoes-cardiac-surgery-will

Oct 2, 2015

The good thing: We finally know what, exactly, is up with Stephan Lichtsteiner's health.

The bad thing: We won't see the Swiss Express bombing up and down the right flank for the next month because of it.

Sometimes you gotta take the bad with the good. Two-way street here, people.

Juventus announced on Friday that Lichtsteiner, who had come off the field at halftime against Frosinone due to difficulty breathing and subsequently spent the night in the hospital, has undergone a heart procedure that will keep him out for the next 30 days. Here's the club's official statement:

During last week's match with Frosinone Stephan Lichtsteiner suffered breathing difficulties due to a benign cardiac arrhythmia (atrial flutter) which later stopped of its own accord.

Tests and specialist consultancy conducted over the following days suggested surgery to be the best course of action for the defender.

Dr. Gaita today performed a cardiac ablation operation and Lichtsteiner is expected to return to competitive action within 30 days.

Okay, so whenever I hear or read about "breathing difficulties" and "cardiac arrhythmia," I pretty much think that Lichtsteiner needs to take as much time as he needs. This isn't a pulled hamstring or a tweaked muscle that will almost certainly recover and then the player is back on his way. When it comes to having trouble doing what you need to do to stay alive, then it's serious. This diagnosis might not be as bad as it could have been, but you don't risk that kind of stuff.

If it's 30 days, six weeks or three months, Lichtsteiner's health is the top priority.

And if this means that Max Allegri uses the 3-5-2 a little bit more than before, I'll be a little more accepting of that. You should, too. It's not like this is something that could have been prevented. It's just ironic that it happened to a player who always get plenty of praise for his relentless stamina and lungs of steel.

So get well, Stephan Lichtsteiner. And may you come back when you're 1,000 percent ready.

[Socrates 7971]

Surgeon: 'One month for Lichtsteiner'

http://www.football-italia.net/73851/surgeon-one-month-lichtsteiner?

Oct 3, 2015

The Professor who performed heart surgery on Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner insists he should only be out for a month.

The Swiss international had an operation to correct a cardiac arrhythmia after he suffered breathing difficulties during the 1-1 draw with Frosinone on September 23.

“The procedure lasted less than an hour and the player is doing very well,” Professor Fiorenzo Gaita told Juventus.com.

“The atrial flutter is an arrhythmia of the atria, which to make a car comparison are like the petrol tanks of the heart. These have a sort of electric circuitry that, in case of a flutter, make the heartbeats per minute jump from a normal 60 up to 300.

“Now, not all these beats reach the ‘motor’ because Mother Nature put in a ‘filter,’ called an atrioventricular node, that limits the passage to around half or a third, so to 75 or 150.

“In case of stress or notable physical exertion, all of those impulses can go through. In these cases, with 300 beats per minute, you can feel unwell or struggle to breathe, which is what happened to the player.

“Surgery isn’t always necessary, but the other option is to take medication for your entire life and that doesn’t resolve the problem, it just tries to prevent it, and works only in 60 per cent of cases.

“The other possibility is surgery, which we’ve been doing since 1992. It is an ablation trans catheter: a catheter is introduced in a leg vein and goes up to the heart. It registers the atrial flutter and burns a small spot. It’s a normal procedure that is usually the first choice for sporting patients.”

A cardiologist told reporters that Lichtsteiner would be out of action for six months, but Professor Gaita insisted that was not the case.

“In 30 days he will recover fully, then more tests will be performed and at that point he can be given the all-clear to play again.

“This timing is dictated by the Medicine of Sport guidelines although naturally they vary depending on the type of arrhythmia.

“In the case of a flutter, the rule is a month out for recovery.”

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner returns to Juventus training

Switzerland international defender has returned to training with the Italian
champions on the day of the club's 118th birthday after undergoing heart surgery.

http://www.goal.com/en/news/755/europe/2015/11/01/16886322/lichtsteiner-back-in-juve-training?ICID=TP_HN_3

Nov 1, 2015

Stephan Lichtsteiner has returned to training with Juventus following surgery to correct a heart problem.

The Switzerland international complained of breathing difficulties in September's draw with Frosinone and underwent a corrective operation at the beginning of October.

The 31-year-old defender was expected to be out of action for a month and Juventus confirmed he trained with the first team early on Sunday as part of his continuing recovery.

"There is no better way to properly celebrate Juventus day and the Old Lady's 118th birthday: not only the derby victory [against Torino] with Juan Cuadrado scoring in the last minute, but also the return of Stephan Lichtsteiner to the group," read a statement on the club's official website.

"After carrying out the necessary tests, the Swiss trained with his team-mates this morning, who have started to prepare for the Champions League game with Borussia Monchengladbach."

Juve also confirmed that former Real Madrid midfielder Sami Khedira, who picked up a muscle injury against Torino, will face further medical tests on Monday.

[Socrates 7971]

Stephan Lichtsteiner back in Juventus
training after heart surgery

http://www.espnfc.co.uk/juventus/story/2694219/lichtsteiner-back-in-juventus-training-after-heart-surgery?

Nov 2, 2015

Juventus received a further boost the day after their dramatic 2-1 derby win over Torino following the return of Stephan Lichtsteiner to full team training.

Lichtsteiner, 31, has been out of action for over a month, having required heart surgery to correct a minor defect which had led to him suffering from breathing problems.

Although he is not expected to be rushed back into action for Tuesday's trip to Borussia Monchengladbach in the Champions League, his return is a positive for the Bianconeri, and the player himself, after recent uncertainty.

Doubts had been raised as to whether the Switzerland international would return to action after such a condition, but those were dispelled on Sunday.

"Stephan Lichtsteiner was back among the group today as the Bianconeri turned their attentions to Tuesday's Champions League Group D encounter with Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany," read a statement on the club's official website.

"The Swiss defender, sidelined after undergoing minor heart surgery at the beginning of October, joined up with a first-team squad buoyed by last night's dramatic Derby della Mole victory over Torino, sealed in the very last seconds through Juan Cuadrado."

The Italian version of the Juve website announced that Lichsteiner's return, on top of Saturday's victory, "could not provide a more worthy way to celebrate the 118th birthday of the Old Lady," which was on Sunday.

Lichtsteiner underwent further tests on his heart before being given the green light to step up the level of exertion with his teammates.

Sami Khedira also underwent tests on a muscle problem which could rule him out of Tuesday's trip to Germany.

Juve's win over Torino lifted them to 10th in Serie A -- nine points behind leaders Fiorentina and Inter Milan.

In the Champions League, the Bianconeri can qualify for the last 16 with a win at Borussia Park, providing Manchester City also beat Sevilla in the group's other fixture.

Juve host City in their next Champions League encounter on Nov. 25.

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner: ‘Juventus not satisfied’

http://www.football-italia.net/75291/lichtsteiner-%E2%80%98juventus-not-satisfied%E2%80%99?

Nov 4, 2015

Stephan Lichtsteiner says Juventus “can’t be satisfied” despite his goal after returning from heart surgery.

The Swiss full-back scored a wonderful volley to equalise against Borussia Monchengladbach last night, but the Bianconeri could only draw 1-1 after Hernanes’ red card.

“I’m very glad to be back on the pitch,” Lichtsteiner wrote on his official Facebook page.

“Thanks to Paul [Pogba] for that golden pass. Despite my return, an important point and a goal, we can’t be satisfied with this game.”

The Old Lady only need to take a point in the next game against Sevilla to be sure of a place in the Last 16 of the Champions League.

[Socrates 7971]

Swiss defender Lichtsteiner feared for career

Stephan Lichtsteiner was surprised to return to the Italian champions'
first team so quickly after he underwent heart surgery to cure breathing difficulties.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2557/news/2015/11/05/17008152/-?

Nov 5, 2015

Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner was concerned his career would be over after undergoing heart surgery.

Lichtsteiner had to be withdrawn at half-time of Juve's draw with Frosinone in September after suffering from "breathing difficulties".

However, after more than a month out of action the Switzerland full-back made an incredible return to action in midweek, starting against Borussia Monchengladbach and scoring a stunning equaliser as Juve rescued a crucial Champions League draw.

"I was definitely scared about never playing again," Lichtsteiner is quoted by giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. "It was a difficult time for me as heart surgery is a pretty big deal.

"Luckily, I had my family and friends to offer their support and love.

"Fans also sent me words of encouragement, and it wasn't just Juventini. There were supporters from every club. I guess that's the beautiful side of football."

Lichsteiner also revealed that coach Massilimiano Allegri kept a close on eye on him during the match.

"I always feel like I can score and so I try to be ready for whenever the opportunity comes.

"After so much time out I knew that I would likely not be at my best, but I kept working hard. Allegri often checked on me and I was feeling good.

"However I didn't expect to be starting, especially given that I had only participated in two training sessions before the match."

[Socrates 7971]

Stephan Lichtsteiner Underlines His
Importance to Juventus After Surgery

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2588974-stephan-lichtsteiner-underlines-his-importance-to-juventus-after-surgery?

Nov 13, 2015

Since returning to the starting line-up recently, Stephan Lichtsteiner has once again underlined his importance to Juventus, with the Swiss full-back as vital as ever to the success of Italian football’s grand Old Lady.

Indeed, when he took to the field against Borussia Monchengladbach, he did so little over a month after undergoing surgery to correct what the club’s official website described as “a benign cardiac arrhythmia” or atrial flutter.

The issue was diagnosed shortly after Juve’s game with Frosinone in late September, a match which saw Lichtsteiner substituted at half-time after a heavy collision resulted in him suffering with breathing difficulties.

The operation took place on October 2, with that aforementioned report from Juventus indicating he would need 30 days to recover. That schedule was deemed outlandish in some quarters, with Corriere dello Sport (h/t Football Italia) interviewing cardiologist Bruno Caru, who insisted the player would miss six months of action.

Almost immediately, the Bianconeri refuted that claim, publishing quotes from professor Fiorenzo Gaita—the man who performed the operation—on their website.

He reaffirmed the diagnosis that Lichsteiner would need 30 days, saying the practice was "very common" and "the first choice of athletes" suffering from cardiac arrhythmia.

The 31-year-old would stick to that timetable perfectly, returning to training on November 1, just two days before Juve’s Champions League clash at Gladbach. A surprise inclusion in Massimiliano Allegri’s squad for that trip, not only would he make the trip to Germany but the coach would subsequently name him in his starting XI.

Just as he has done since joining the Turin giants from Lazio back in the summer of 2011, Lichtsteiner would deliver a thoroughly assured performance, patrolling the right flank diligently throughout.

Playing the entire 90 minutes, statistics courtesy of WhoScored.com show he recorded two interceptions, two clearances and one blocked shot. He also connected with 21 passes as he pressed forward to support the attack whenever possible, despite his first instinct always being to defend.

But his key contribution would come in the 44th minute, as Paul Pogba picked him out with a wonderful ball over the defence that Lichtsteiner struck with a perfectly timed volley past goalkeeper Yann Sommer.

That goal helped Juve to secure a 1-1 draw and a vital point, particularly after Hernanes was dismissed for a woeful second-half challenge, but the Switzerland international still appeared disappointed after the final whistle.

“I had not even dreamed of a game like this. I just wanted to win,” he told Mediaset Premium as he left the field (h/t Football Italia). “It was important for me to be back straight away, despite having just two training sessions with the group. This is still a very delicate time. It was important for me to give the team a helping hand.”

Having suffered some disappointing results this season, Lichtsteiner’s return would provide a genuine boost, retaining his place for the win over Empoli just a few days later. Looking as if he’d never been away, that game saw the Bianconeri record back-to-back victories in Serie A for the first time in 2015/16.

OptaPaolo ✔ @OptaPaolo
2898 - In 2014, Stephan Lichtsteiner has been the Juventus' player with the most minutes played in the league (2898). Tireless.

His return not only provides Allegri with another reliable performer in defence, but also sees the team recover one of its leaders.

It is incredible to think that, despite only joining the club four years ago, only five players—Claudio Marchisio, Gigi Buffon, Giorgio Chiellini, Leonardo Bonucci and Andrea Barzagli—have been with the Bianconeri longer.

Clearly as important to performances on the field as perhaps all but Buffon, Lichtsteiner’s defensive awareness should see them improve what has been a poor record thus far, keeping just six clean sheets in all competitions.

He may not always find himself on the scoresheet, but Lichtsteiner’s value to Juventus cannot be understated, a point he proves every time he steps on the pitch in those famous black-and-white stripes.

[Socrates 7971]

Stephan Lichtsteiner taken off "as a precaution"
in Switzerland's win over Austria

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2015/11/17/9751550/stephan-lichtsteiner-injury-juventus-switzerland-austria-2015-serie-a-international-duty

Nov 17, 2015

We don't know the severity of this, and likely won't be informed of it until Stephan Lichtsteiner undergoes tests in Turin within the next day or two. But when somebody comes off the field in the 18th minute of any kind of game, your thoughts aren't exactly swaying toward the most pleasant of variety.

This is what we know is for certain: Lichtsteiner had to be taken off the field during Switzerland's 2-1 win over Austria on Tuesday night due to some kind of muscular injury. Shortly thereafter, the official Swiss national team Twitter account told us this important injury update:

nationalteams_SFVASF ✔ @SFV_ASF
Erste Diagnose zu @LichsteinerOfic: muskuläre Probleme im Oberschenkel, Auswechslung Vorsichtsmassnahme.

Google translate tells me that lsat part is basically saying that Lichtsteiner was taken out of the game "as a precaution." Lichtsteiner has since confirmed on his personal Facebook page that is was a precautionary measure rather than because some kind of muscle in his leg just exploded. What that means for his status against Milan over the weekend — and subsequently a few days later against Manchester City in the Champions League — we don't know just yet.

Even though we don't know what Lichtsteiner's status will be for this weekend until Wednesday at the very earliest, I guess we can hang our hat on the fact that this injury has nothing to do with his heart. I know for a fact that I wasn't the only one wondering how a guy like Lichtsteiner, who is a the human representation of a tank on the right wing, would respond after his heart procedure.

Luckily, I guess you could say, it doesn't involve any kind of heart-related muscles. Leg muscles, not heart muscles.

Here's your latest reminder of two things:

International breaks are stupid.
Any kind of injury to a Juventus player is stupid.
Juventus players getting injured on international break? Also stupid.
Yep, both are true. Feel better soon, Stephan.

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner: ‘Believe in Scudetto’

http://www.football-italia.net/76349/lichtsteiner-%E2%80%98believe-scudetto%E2%80%99?

Nov 27, 2015

Full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner declares Juventus “must believe in the Scudetto”.

The Swiss international has returned to action for the Bianconeri after heart surgery, and wants to help cut the nine-point deficit to Inter.

“It was a difficult period, but coming back was excellent,” Lichtsteiner said of his medical problems.

"Before I’m a player I’m a person. A father, husband, friend, son. So I didn’t immediately think about football.

"In the Champions League we’ve done well, despite having the strongest and most difficult group.

"We played a back-four in Manchester [against City] and won, we played 3-5-2 at home and won, so that shows this team can play any system.

"We must believe in the Scudetto, but now we have to think about getting as many points as possible before Christmas, then see what happens in the New Year.”

[Socrates 7971]

'Don't compare Dybala, Tevez'

http://www.football-italia.net/77683/dont-compare-dybala-tevez?

Dec 30, 2015

Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner looks forward to playing Bayern Munich, but resents comparisons of Paulo Dybala to Carlos Tevez.

The 31-year-old is back to being an integral part of the Bianconeri after missing out on more than one month of the season in order to undergo surgery.

“Last year we played a great season in spite of the change of Coach,” he told Premium Sport. “This year we had some trouble.

“We weren't able to score and we conceded goals at the first opportunity. After Sassuolo we had a chat, but we'd have taken this path even without words. The team is strong and I'm not surprised we're back at these levels.”

The Swiss was also asked about his cardiac trouble and the month spent recovering.

“It was a period that allowed me to think a lot. I wanted to come back as soon as possible.

“At first I didn't know exactly what the problem was and I couldn't stop thinking about it. In the end everything worked out for the best and returning to the pitch and to my teammates was a pleasure.

“The Champions League? We'll see whether anything has changed compared to three years ago.

“Bayern are very strong and they have an excellent Coach. It's going to be a good challenge and it'll be nice to play against Vidal and Coman, in whose company we played some important seasons.

“Dybala? I don't like it when they compare him to Tevez, who is older, won a lot more, and walked his own path to become a true champion.

“Dybala can do the same, but you can't compare a 20-year-old to a 30-year-old. We'll see what the next ten years have in store.”

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner: Juventus Miss Pirlo

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2015/12/lichtsteiner-juventus-miss-pirlo/?

Dec 31, 2015

Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner has admitted that losing New York City FC midfielder Andrea Pirlo was a real blow to the Bianconeri.

Pirlo left The Old Lady in the summer to move to the MLS side after his contract with Juve expired at the end of the 2014-15 season.

“Now we have Pogba and Marchisio who can provide the passes Pirlo used to provide,” said Lichtsteiner in an interview with Premium Sport.

“However, losing someone like Andrea is always a blow because he is a champion who gave the team so much. The whole team feels this, not just me.

“This year was very successful, in many ways it was a little unexpected . The team is strong, we have so many champions who play at such a high level.”

The full-back was also asked about Juventus’s Champions League last 16 tie against Bayern Munich and whether Carlos Tevez and Paulo Dybala are comparable.

“We’ll see if compared to three years ago something has changed but it’s hard to say now, they are a very strong team and they have a good coach,” added Lichtsteiner.

“Tevez and Dybala? I do not like this comparison because Tevez is older, he has won more, he is a true champion.

“Dybala can become a champion, but right now you can not compare a 20-year-old with a 30-year-old, we will see what happens in the next decade.”

[Socrates 7971]

On First Looking Into Stephan Lichtsteiner

Stephan Lichtsteiner turns 32 on Saturday, with his importance
to Juventus as pronounced as at any time during his time with the club.

http://forzaitalianfootball.com/2016/01/on-first-looking-into-stephan-lichtsteiner/?

Jan 16, 2016

Football, when played well, is a simple game of endemic beauty. The sweep of the ball through the paths of its players can look as if daubed on a canvas, with the best of its moments preserved forever in the minds of their beholders.

Juventus, as the season has gone on, have approached that level; their recent good form reflected in their performances just as well as their results. For the rest of Serie A, it is ominous. If one were to list the players that have contributed most to Juventus’ success so far, it is those who apply the final flourishes that stick in the mind. Paulo Dybala, for example, or Paul Pogba.

Yet they would be nothing without those who provide the legwork and endeavour to go along with the ingenuity and invention – the heart and lungs of the side. After four seasons with the Bianconeri, and four Scudetti, Stephan Lichtsteiner is certainly one of those – the cloth that polishes the jewels.

The Swiss has proved himself pivotal in the Juventus side time and again. Perhaps outside from the flying wide men that create so much space for Barcelona, he has demonstrated himself as one of the most effective wing-backs in the game.

He turns 32 on 16th January and still shows no sign of slowing down, looking no less the tyro of energy that joined the club in the summer of 2011 after a three-year spell at Lazio.

His willingness and ability to cover a wide expanse each game mark him out as a wing-back rather than a full-back; he is an active part of the Juventus attack, rather than an occasional marauder, but he is an equally zealous (sometimes over-zealous, if one casts one’s mind back to the derby victory against Torino in late 2014) defender.

It would be simplistic to suggest that Lichtsteiner’s fitness was behind Massimiliano Allegri’s change back to the more familiar 3-5-2 system as he looked to improve the Bianconeri’s poor early season form, but it is equally true that it allows both the Swiss and his left-sided counterpart Patrice Evra, even more veteran at 34, to flourish.

Of course, the former Lille man had an enforced spell on the sidelines during this period, with October being spent on an operation to remedy his atrial flutter and subsequent convalescence. He marked his return with a goal against Borussia Moenchengladbach and since he came back into the side, Juventus have won all eight Serie A games, climbing from 9th to 2nd in the process.

It cannot be solely down to Lichtsteiner, but as well as winning games, the switch to three has completely shored up the Juventus backline – from 1.00 goal per game conceded before the Swiss’ return, it has dropped to 0.43 per game since; furthermore, the forward line have jumped from 1.33 before to 2.43 since.

Allegri has returned to a successful formula – one that necessitates exactly the things that Lichtsteiner does. His statistics do not necessarily mark him out as one of Serie A’s best defenders – 1.2 tackles per game is not particularly high. Nor do his attacking numbers stake that claim – 0.5 key passes and 0.3 crosses per game do not propel him into the upper echelons of the league.

Of course, the better sides do not need to defend as often, as they retain the ball. Moreso, with the creative forces such as Pogba and the still-revelatory Dybala in the middle, crosses into a target man are less required. Lichtsteiner comes to be simply an option; an extra body that contributes to the effect of swarming forward.

In short, he might not be the most glamorous player in the Juventus side, but he is one of the most vital. His presence is always felt, and his absence more keenly. As he enters his 33rd year, he shows no signs of easing up, and it is to the huge benefit of his team-mates.

Akin to Keats’ Cortez staring at the Pacific, to behold Stephan Lichsteiner is to gaze on something of the unique and wonderful – a hitherto unappreciated beauty.

It is to his credit that he is such a vital cog in such an effective machine, but his role in that machine means it is likely he will only be fully appreciated when the time comes to replace him.

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner skips training

http://www.football-italia.net/81757/lichtsteiner-skips-training?

Mar 23, 2016

Juventus’ injury problems continue to mount, as Stephan Lichtsteiner missed Switzerland training.

The Bianconeri have already lost Andrea Barzagli to injury this week, as he was sent home from Italy duty.

Now RSI is reporting that Lichtsteiner missed training yesterday with a calf injury, and is not expected to be fit to face the Republic of Ireland on Friday.

The Old Lady are not back in action until facing Empoli on April 2, but Coach Massimiliano Allegri has an emergency in defence.

In addition to Barzagli, Martin Caceres has been ruled-out for the rest of the season, and it’s not clear if Giorgio Chiellini will recover from his own calf problem in time for the match.

With Leonardo Bonucci and Alex Sandro suspended for the Empoli match, Allegri is left with Daniele Rugani and Patrice Evra as his only recognised defensive options should Lichtsteiner, Barzagli and Chiellini miss out.

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner: ‘Juventus still regret Munich’

http://www.football-italia.net/83523/lichtsteiner-%E2%80%98juventus-still-regret-munich%E2%80%99?

Apr 28, 2016

Stephan Lichtsteiner admits Juventus’ Champions League elimination “still eats at me”.

The Bianconeri were 2-0 up at Bayern Munich in the second leg of their Last 16 tie, and had a third incorrectly ruled-out for offside.

The Bavarian side hit back with two late goals, and went on to win the match 4-2 in extra time to progress 6-4 on aggregate.

“It still eats at me,” Lichtsteiner admitted in an interview with Premium Sport.

“The defeat in Munich still feels bad. Over these past two seasons Juve have shown we can match anyone in Europe, last year we went to the final and this year we were very close to eliminating Bayern Munich.

“Next year we have to continue like this and try to improve some small details.”

The Old Lady wrapped-up a fifth consecutive Scudetto on Monday, when did they know they’d retain their title?

“After the game against Fiorentina certainly, having already won at San Siro [against Milan in Week 32] we were more or less convinced we’d win the Scudetto.

“We knew Napoli wouldn’t give up until the end though, so even if we were optimistic you are never 100 per cent certain while it’s not mathematically sure.

“Who partied the most? All of us more or less, but obviously you’ve seen Paul [Pogba]’s fall! So you know more or less what happened.”

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner: ‘Milan, Inter will be back’

http://www.football-italia.net/83528/lichtsteiner-%E2%80%98milan-inter-will-be-back%E2%80%99?

Apr 28, 2016

Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner expects Napoli, Roma, Inter and Milan to challenge for the Scudetto next year.

The Bianconeri have won five titles in a row, and secured the latest of those on Monday when Napoli lost at Roma.

“We’ve always had some very strong opponents,” Lichtsteiner recalled in an interview with Sky.

“I’m thinking of Napoli this year, also Roma who would have won it if we didn’t get 102 points [in 2014]. It’s down to our merits, because I don’t think you can say there were no others [challenging].

“Napoli and Roma will be up there next year, and I also think Inter and Milan will come back strong.”

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner: ‘Fired-up for final’

http://www.football-italia.net/84077/lichtsteiner-%E2%80%98fired-final%E2%80%99?

May 9, 2016

Stephan Lichtsteiner assures “there’s no need for alarm” despite Juventus’ defeat to Verona.

The Bianconeri were defeated 2-1 at Bentegodi in Luca Toni’s final match last night, though the game was otherwise meaningless, with the Old Lady already champions and the hosts already relegated.

“Yesterday’s game didn’t go as we wanted,” Lichtsteiner admitted to Premium Sport.

“But it was a game where it could go wrong. If you lose one out of 27, and it’s a game which doesn’t matter, I don’t think there’s any need for alarm, partly because half of the team was missing.

“Now we’re focused on the Coppa Italia, because our goal is to win the national trophy. Milan, though they’re in some difficulty, have a very strong team, they’re not easy to beat.

“Now we just have to prepare well over the next two weeks for the final in Rome.”

[Socrates 7971]

'Juve on par with Barca, Bayern'

http://www.football-italia.net/84103/juve-par-barca-bayern

May 10, 2016

Stephan Lichtsteiner believes Juventus are 'no longer shy' in the Champions League and 'at the same level as Bayern Munich and Barcelona'.

The Swiss full-back is 32 years old now, but he is still among the faster wingers in Serie A, which he attributes to his fitness regime.

“We train well, it's a great honour to play and win in these colours,” he told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Three words for Allegri? Excellent, intelligent and very humane.

“Tactically speaking, at the end of the day you always have to do the same things, whether you play with a four-man back-line or the 3-5-2. This year we needed greater confidence when defending.”

Lichtsteiner then reminisced on the Champions League, and the defeat to Barcelona last season and Bayern Munich this year.

“I regret them both, but the game in Berlin was a final. I'm still angry about the way it went in Munich, and it pains me to see Atletico and Real in the final. Still, I console myself and think that game built confidence for the future.

“We've taken an important step forward and now we feel on a par with Bayern and Barcelona. We were a little fearful against the Germans in the first half of the first game, but that was the match that allowed us to change our approach.

“Something clicked in our heads, and we knew what we were doing for the return leg. Now we're no longer so shy, and we approach games against big teams differently.

“I wouldn't give up on anything if that meant winning the Champions League. I want to win everything.

“What did Juventus lack? When you get to these levels, it just comes down to details. Last year Barcelona was better than us, this time we were unlucky against Bayern.

“But we should have taken care of that earlier. If we'd topped our group, we'd have had an easier time in the Round of 16.”

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner: 'I'll finish at Juventus'

http://www.football-italia.net/84104/lichtsteiner-ill-finish-juventus

May 10, 2016

Stephan Lichtsteiner hopes to finish his career at Juventus, and explains what heart surgery taught him.

The 32-year-old is coming to the end of his fifth season with the Bianconeri, which coincides with his fifth consecutive Scudetto. Even so, Coach Max Allegri told his players not to overdo it with the celebrations as there is still the Coppa Italia final to be played for.

“I'm in complete agreement with Allegri,” Lichtsteiner told La giornalaccio rosa dello Sport. “Things didn't go the way we wanted them to, but we're not alarmed in view of the Coppa Italia final. We're focused on Milan, who are still a great team, even in this moment of difficulty.

“I think I can still play another three-four years at these levels, and I'd like to stay at Juventus. If the club are happy to keep me, why not finish my career here?”

The full-back had heart surgery at the end of 2015, which kept him out of a substantial part of the season.

“It made me understand that you've got to enjoy every moment. We're under pressure and we must win all the time, but we often forget the pleasure of taking to the pitch. We don't enjoy the simple things in life.

“We can achieve anything, but we mustn't forget that things change from one moment to the next.

“Federer's seven wins in Wimbledon? I hope to win more Scudetti than that, but I also wish him not to stop there.

“My dream in football is to win the Champions League. In life, I feel happy. I have a beautiful wife and two children. I just want good health.”

[Socrates 7971]

Juventus' Stephan Lichtsteiner named
Switzerland's new captain

The 32-year-old will wear the captain's armband for the Swiss at Euro 2016.

http://www.blackwhitereadallover.com/2016/5/18/11701394/juventus-stephan-lichtsteiner-named-switzerland-captain-euro-2016-roster

May 18, 2016

Stephan Lichtsteiner is the new captain for Switzerland's men's national team, the federation announced with its 28-man provisional roster for Euro 2016.

Lichtsteiner has five goals in 80 caps for the Swiss, but he hasn't scored since June 2014 in a friendly against Peru.

Switzerland, who finished second in qualifying Group E behind England, will face host France, Romania and Albania in Group A in this summer's tournament. The Swiss have warm-up matches against Belgium on May 28 in Geneva and Moldova on June 3 in Lugano.

Swiss coach Vladimir Petkovic opted to leave off former captain Gokhan Inler, who made five appearances for Premier League champion Leicester City. He has 89 caps and captained the Swiss at the 2014 World Cup.


Provisional Switzerland squad for Euro 2016

Goalkeepers: Roman Bürki (Borussia Dortmund), Marwin Hitz (Augsburg), Yvon Mvogo (Young Boys), Yann Sommer (Borussia Mönchengladbach).

Defenders: Johan Djourou (Hamburg), Nico Elvedi (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Michael Lang (Basel), Stephan Lichtsteiner (Juventus), François Moubandje (Toulouse), Ricardo Rodríguez (Wolfsburg), Fabian Schär (Hoffenheim), Philippe Senderos (Grasshoppers), Steve Von Bergen (Young Boys), Silvan Widmer (Udinese).

Midfielders: Valon Behrami (Watford), Blerim Džemaili (Genoa), Gelson Fernandes (Rennes), Fabian Frei (Mainz), Renato Steffen (Basel), Granit Xhaka (Borussia Mönchengladbach), Denis Zakaria (Young Boys), Luca Zuffi (Basel).

Forwards: Eren Derdiyok (Kasımpaşa), Breel Embolo (Basel), Admir Mehmedi (Bayer Leverkusen), Haris Seferović (Eintracht Frankfurt), Xherdan Shaqiri (Stoke City), Shani Tarashaj (Grasshoppers).

[Socrates 7971]

 

Chelsea to miss out on Juventus defender Lichtsteiner

The Italian champions are not interested in selling their right-back in the summer window

despite the imminent arrival of Brazil international Dani Alves from Barcelona.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/2892/transfer-zone/2016/05/31/24139442/-?

May 31, 2016

Chelsea are set to miss out on Stephan Lichtsteiner, with the Switzerland international to remain at Juventus despite Dani Alves's imminent move from Barcelona. 

Goal understands that Juve manager Massimiliano Allegri still sees the defender as an important part of his plans and that the 32-year-old is happy to stay in Italy.

Antonio Conte will arrive in London and take over at Stamford Bridge following the conclusion of the European Championship, and reports had suggested he could raid his former club for the full-back.

The Swiss defender was signed by Conte for Juventus back in 2011 and has gone on to make over 150 appearances for the club, helping them win the Serie A title for the past five seasons in a row.

Chelsea have a club policy of restricting players aged 30 or over to one-year deals, with Lichtsteiner, 32, not meeting that criteria being older than current first-choice right-back Branislav Ivanovic.

The last player aged 30 or over who was offered more than a one-year deal was Yossi Benayoun in 2010 after signing from Liverpool, with John Terry, after much deliberation, having only been granted a 12-month extension at the end of the 2015-16 campaign.

Goal understands that Chelsea will now pursue other targets, with Antonio Rudiger, who could well make the switch to Stamford Bridge despite having agreed a permanent move to Roma on Monday , and Kostas Manolas two potential options.

Juve, meanwhile, are set to complete the signing of Dani Alves in the coming days as the club looks to build a squad capable of challenging for Champions League glory .

[Socrates 7971]

Lichtsteiner open to Juventus exit amid PSG interest

With the arrival of Dani Alves imminent, the Juve right-back is open to seeking

new climes, with one possible option a switch to the Ligue 1 champions.

http://www.goal.com/en-gb/news/3276/serie-a/2016/06/03/24255962/-?

Jun 3, 2016

Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner has refused to close the door on a possible departure from the Serie A champions amid reported interest from Paris Saint-Germain.

Lichtsteiner's future is uncertain with star right-back and Brazil international Dani Alves set to swap Barcelona for Juventus.

But while Lichtsteiner is happy in Turin, the 32-year-old - preparing for Euro 2016 with Switzerland - said he would be open to testing himself in a different league.

"There is no problem, we'll see what happens," Lichtsteiner told Fichajes.com.

"I do not think about the market. I'm focused on the European Championship. Then we'll see. 

"There are many strong and interesting leagues: Premier League, La Liga, Serie A, Bundesliga or Ligue 1. I do not close the door to anything but I'm a Juve player." 

Asked specifically about interest from French champions PSG, Lichtsteiner added: "PSG are one of the best teams in Europe and I'm proud to be associated with them because they seek the best in each position. 

"But I'm good at Juventus, where I've been five years.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Lichtsteiner on Inter radar

 

http://www.football-italia.net/85414/lichtsteiner-inter-radar

Jun 5, 2016

Stephan Lichtsteiner could leave Juventus this summer and potential destinations are Inter, Chelsea and PSG.

The right-back dropped hints he could walk away this summer, especially with Alex Sandro and now Dani Alves coming in.

According to the Corriere dello Sport, Lichtsteiner could well remain in Serie A with a move across to rivals Inter.

His contract is due to expire next year, so it would not be a huge transfer fee, and he has been in Turin since 2011.

Overseas options include Antonio Conte’s Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Chelsea go for Lichtsteiner?

 

http://www.football-italia.net/85578/chelsea-go-lichtsteiner

Jun 8, 2016

Chelsea are ready to swoop for Juventus right-wing-back Stephan Lichtsteiner, according to The Sun.

The Swiss international has won five consecutive Serie A titles in Turin and recently hinted he could move on, especially if Dani Alves arrives from Barcelona.

Inter had been linked, but The Sun newspaper now claims that Antonio Conte wants a reunion at Stamford Bridge.

Lichtsteiner joined Juve in June 2011 and was one of Conte’s first buys at the club.

It’s reported Chelsea are offering a three-year contract for the 32-year-old.

He is currently on international duty with Switzerland at Euro 2016.

[Socrates 7971]

 

Man City after Lichtsteiner

 

http://www.football-italia.net/85926/man-city-after-lichtsteiner?

Jun 16, 2016

Manchester City are now competing with Chelsea for Juventus full-back Stephan Lichtsteiner, say reports.

The 32-year-old was being targeted by his former Coach Antonio Conte, who will be taking the reins of the Blues after Euro 2016.

According to Tuttosport, however, a new competitor has entered the fray as Pep Guardiola's Manchester City looks to swoop for the Swiss.

The offer of the Citizens is believed to be €10m, but Juventus are hoping to sell the player for €15m.