EV Zug’s Winter Slump Exposes Deeper Issues Beyond the Coach

The Swiss ice hockey club EV Zug is enduring an unusually difficult winter. The team has yet to record a victory in 2026, a sharp contrast to the high expectations that have surrounded the organisation in recent years. While criticism has increasingly focused on head coach Michael Liniger, the causes of the downturn run far deeper than the man behind the bench.

A coach under scrutiny

Liniger, 46, took over last summer from the two-time championship-winning coach Dan Tangnes, having previously served as his assistant. Known for a calm and reflective leadership style, Liniger prepared for the role in unconventional ways, observing how professionals in fields such as surgery and aviation manage pressure and make critical decisions.

That understated approach now draws criticism from parts of the fan base and media, who interpret his composure as passivity during defeats. Heavy losses — including a 0–7 defeat in Lausanne, a 0–4 loss in Ambri, and a narrow overtime defeat against Fribourg-Gottéron after an especially weak final period — have tested patience around the club. Some local commentary has already raised questions about Liniger’s future.

Yet Liniger is under contract until 2027, and Zug has not dismissed a coach mid-season since 2014. Such stability reflects the long-standing philosophy of the club’s leadership, including president Hans-Peter Strebel. There is little indication that a coaching change alone would resolve the current problems.

Injuries and imbalance

A major factor lies in personnel availability. Long-term absences of key players such as Lukas Bengtsson, Lino Martschini and Raphael Diaz would weaken any team in the Swiss National League. For comparison, it would be akin to champions ZSC Lions playing without several of their core leaders for months on end.

At full strength, EV Zug was expected to dominate at even strength. Instead, the team has struggled to generate offence, showing a lack of rhythm, creativity and cohesion despite a roster that remains among the league’s most expensive.

Roster decisions under the spotlight

Last summer, the club signalled renewal by signing high-profile reinforcements. Goal-scoring leader Dominik Kubalik arrived, along with NHL regular Tomas Tatar. To make room, Zug released three foreign players from existing contracts and chose not to replace Swiss internationals Dario Simion and Attilio Biasca.

On paper, the changes amounted to little more than a reshuffle. In practice, they may have created imbalances — particularly in leadership and chemistry — that have become more apparent during adversity.

An ageing captain’s challenge

Attention has also turned to captain Jan Kovar. Once the dominant playmaker and driving force of Zug’s title-winning teams, the soon-to-be 36-year-old centre is now struggling to influence games as he once did. Age, injuries and personal challenges have dulled the edge that made him indispensable.

Kovar’s contract was extended until 2027 as recognition of his past contributions and standing within the dressing room. Reigniting his form may be one of Liniger’s most important tasks. If that revival fails, the club could face not just an early end to the season, but a broader reassessment of its sporting direction.

More than a coaching question

Zug’s current difficulties reflect a convergence of factors: injuries, transitional roster decisions, and the natural decline of veteran leaders. While the spotlight has fallen on the head coach, the evidence suggests the problems are structural rather than tactical.

Whether EV Zug can stabilise before the playoffs will determine if this winter becomes a temporary dip — or the beginning of a deeper rebuild for one of Switzerland’s most consistently successful hockey clubs.