Latest news with #RicardoMoniz
Daily Mail
25-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Mail
Benjamin Mendy released by Swiss club after just EIGHT games after partying antics left club bosses furious
Former Manchester City defender Benjamin Mendy has been released by Swiss club FC Zurich after playing just EIGHT games and angering his bosses. Mendy, 31, joined Zurich in February and agreed a contract running until the summer of 2026 after his short spell with French side Lorient. But he made less than 10 appearances over his five-month stay and saw his deal ripped up by mutual consent after his behaviour was criticised. A statement released on the club website read: 'FC Zurich announces that the contract with French defender Benjamin Mendy has been terminated by mutual consent. He is leaving the city club with immediate effect. 'FCZ wishes Benjamin Mendy all the best for his private and sporting future.' According to Mundo Deportivo, Mendy's questionable off-field antics culminated in the axe being brought down. Indeed, it has been claimed that he angered Zurich's hierarchy after partying just hours after a 4-0 defeat by rivals Basel in April. 𝐕𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐬𝐚𝐮𝐟𝐥𝐨̈𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐠𝐞𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐠𝐞𝐦 𝐄𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐡𝐦𝐞𝐧 𝐦𝐢𝐭 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐣𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐝𝐲 Der FC Zürich gibt bekannt, dass der Vertrag mit dem französischen Verteidiger Benjamin Mendy in gegenseitigem Einvernehmen aufgelöst wurde. Er… — FC Zürich (@fc_zuerich) July 21, 2025 Benjamin Mendy has been released by his latest club after angering club bosses The incident led manager Ricardo Moniz to openly take aim at Mendy in the press. 'Mendy didn't perform as expected of a player of his calibre,' said Moniz. 'His physical condition isn't up to what we expect from a player in this league. 'After a 4–0 defeat, you can't afford to do that to the supporters.' Zurich president Ancillo Canepa was similarly unimpressed with the former French international, saying: 'It's certainly not what we expected. Mentally and physically, he wasn't at his best at all, played very badly, conceded goals and got injured. 'All in all, it wasn't a happy story.' Mendy's move to Switzerland came after he was suspended by City in August 2021 after being charged with multiple counts of rape and one alleged sexual assault. He was cleared of six counts of rape and one of sexual assault, and subsequently cleared of a further count of rape and one attempted rape in a retrial in July 2023. Mendy then successfully took City to an employment tribunal over unpaid wages with a judge ruling he was entitled to the 'majority of his unpaid salary' from the club. The veteran went on to sign a deal with Lorient but played just 15 games. He made 75 appearances during his six-year spell at the Etihad, winning three Premier League titles under Pep Guardiola in 2018, 2019 and 2021. Mendy, who joined City in a £52million deal in July 2017, then a world-record fee for a defender, was part of France's World Cup-winning squad in 2018.
Yahoo
02-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Ex-Manchester United coach Mitchell van der Gaag named new head coach of FC Zurich
Erik ten Hag's former assistant at Manchester United, Mitchell van der Gaag, has been appointed head coach of Swiss club FC Zurich. Van der Gaag left United 10 months ago in search of new opportunities. He had joined the club in the summer of 2022, arriving from Ajax together with Ten Hag. Advertisement During his time at Old Trafford, Van der Gaag helped the Red Devils to win the Carabao Cup and FA Cup. FC Zurich have now confirmed that the Dutchman will take charge of the team, succeeding Ricardo Moniz, who stepped down after a disappointing season. An FC Zurich statement read, 'FC Zurich is pleased to announce that 53-year-old Dutchman Mitchell van der Gaag will succeed Ricardo Moniz as head coach of the first team.' 'The long-time assistant to Erik ten Hag at Ajax Amsterdam and Manchester United has signed a two-year contract with the city club until 2027.' The statement concluded, 'FC Zurich warmly welcomes Mitchell van der Gaag and wishes him luck and success during his time at the city club.' FC Zurich president Ancillo Canepa said about the appointment, 'Mitchell was our absolute dream candidate!' Advertisement 'We are therefore very happy that we have been able to sign such an experienced and competent head coach who can continue on our chosen path.' Van der Gaag remarked, 'The goal is clear, we want to finish in the top six and play for the European places.' 'FCZ became Swiss champions a few years ago, so anything is possible.' It's understood Van der Gaag will be presented to the public at a press conference on Monday, June 16. He will then commence work with his players. Follow us on Bluesky: @
