Through the ranks is a new article that will be released within which we will interview an up and coming star or an article called Aspirations which will interview older members of the squad. An article will be released each week until all layers are covered. This week we talk to Andre Guttenberger.

Factfile
Name: Andre Guttenberger
Age: 16
Position: Midfielder

Interview

So Andre, what bought you to the club?
I have always wanted to become a footballer and have dreamt of playing for a good side. When I was twelve I broke my right leg and I felt as though my dreams had ended. When I was fourteen, I was invited by my school to take part in a community competition, run by Sildegapet. I clearly did something right as after the semi-final, I was asked if I could come to a trial. After five sessions they asked me to join their academy. Everyone around here knows how good it is and I couldn't turn it down.

How have you found life here?

Its great, I am loving playing football and we may not be doing great just at the moment but we have all the facilities, a lot of young players who want to work to become the best and it bodes well. We already have a great junior side and we are already understanding one another really well. I also love the atmosphere here, everyone knows your first name and is really freindly. The fans are right behind you every match you play.

You have played academy matches, how are they going?
At the moment, everthing is going really well. We have bonded well and the junior results are coming along really well. I have also played with the first team which has been a fantastic experience. Chowdhury has also spoken to me comending me on my hard work. I just hope that the current academy team stays together and we can all play for the senior side as well.

How has been playing along side some of the proffessionals felt like?

Playing with people like Felix, Jean and Ake. They know the ropes and have been through what we have been through. We get to train with them twice a week and it has been really helpful learning from them.

What about the future?

To stay here with the facilities and world class trainers would be my ideal goal. I hope to stay here as long as possible. The owners want to ut even more into the training facilities and few other clubs have the feel and facilities that I have here. To become a legend here would be great. Most of the team is Swiss, and it would be incredible to make the national team with the rest of my team mates. I know that I would have to really push to get there but it is not totally unrealistic. For us all to get there though would be difficult. I know though that I must concentrate on the immediate future and training as hard as I can.

Quotes courtesy of the Sildegapet Magazine.

Next edition we interview Félix Pinheiro and talk of the sharp end of the Bernese Oberland Cup.