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Interview Renzo Blumenthal
Former Mister Switzerland, Renzo Blumenthal is a huge football fan. In the year he won the title, he was still playing for top-rated Graubünden club Chur 97. He cannot wait for the Euro 08 to come to his homeland.
Mr. Blumenthal, Graubünden's football clubs play in the second league or lower at national level. Why is it that there are no clubs in higher leagues? Is Chur just not that interested in football?Renzo Blumenthal: I wouldn't say that. It's difficult to say where the reason lies for Graubünden and Chur in particular not excelling on the football pitch. In Chur especially, the ice hockey club has had several barren years as well. Perhaps the region's sporting efforts are simply spread too thinly between football, ice hockey, unihockey, and so forth.
You mean there's no concentration of talent?
Renzo Blumenthal: Not just talent, sponsorship, too. In contrast to other regions, sponsors don't tend to focus on a specific club, they split their money and commitment up between a number of different sports and clubs. Based on size alone, Chur should have by right at least one team in the Challenge League. Thun, for example, is about the same size, and its team currently plays in the Super League.
What do you think is so special about Chur?
Renzo Blumenthal: Definitely the beautiful, perfectly preserved old town, where you can party or just walk around on a evening - especially in summer at the many garden restaurants.
Are you looking forward to the European championships in your home country?
Renzo Blumenthal: You bet! Those of us who took part in the TV show "The Match" had dinner together only recently. There are plans to bring the show back during the Euro 08, and I'll hopefully be in the thick of the action again. As a football fan, I'm certainly looking forward to having my homeland host the Euro 08. I can't wait for the summer.
How do you think the Swiss team will perform?
Renzo Blumenthal: I hope we go far, perhaps as far as the semi-finals. That would be great of course, and it would be good for the country's morale. It would also be the best advertising we could generate for Switzerland.
