Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe’s Swiss football project has hit a turbulent start as Lausanne-Sport dismissed head coach Luka Elsner on Tuesday. The British chemicals giant Ineos, which controls the Lausanne club, cited “poor results” as the primary reason for the abrupt termination of Elsner’s contract after only five months in charge. The move signals a lack of patience within the Ineos hierarchy, which is actively seeking to stabilize its new venture in the Swiss top flight.
Ratcliffe’s Swiss club cuts ties with coach after just five months in the bottom spot.
The decision follows a dismal debut season for the 51-year-old former Tottenham and Austria national team manager. Lausanne currently sits at the bottom of the 12-team Swiss Super League, having secured just one victory in 12 matches under Elsner’s guidance. With the club struggling to find consistency and competitive edge, the ownership group has opted for a swift change in leadership to halt the downward trajectory and protect the club’s long-term sporting objectives.
This sacking marks the latest personnel shake-up in the Ineos-led football ecosystem, which also includes Manchester United. While Ratcliffe has invested heavily in rebuilding United, the parallel project in Switzerland faces immediate scrutiny due to its poor league standing. Lausanne-Sport will now seek a new manager to navigate the remainder of the season, with the pressure mounting to avoid relegation and prove the viability of the Ineos model outside of England.
Source: Bluefield Daily Telegraph
