On that very day in February 2016, Christian Fuchs was playing for Leicester City, a team that had recently topped the Premier League – one of the most unlikely titles in English football history, a position they never relinquished that season.
Ten years later, the Austrian is managing a team at the bottom of the English football pyramid. Newport County currently sit bottom of League Two, five points out of safety.
In mid-November, Fuchs felt he could be used in left field. He was a coach at Charlotte FC in North Carolina, where he ended his playing career after leaving the Foxes.
The MLS season had just ended and he was preparing for a slightly different League Two game at Rodney Parade.
Fuchs has led Newport County since November.
“We were actually planning a family trip in December, so I’m very grateful to my wife for her support,” Fuchs told Sky Sports.
“You need a strong partner in this business, and I wasn’t actively looking for one at that point, especially after four years without much time off at Charlotte FC.
“But when the opportunity comes, you have to grab it.My goal was always to return to this country and become a manager.
“Everyone was surprised, myself included, because it was a short-term decision! But they understand that in football things can change overnight. We’ve been living this lifestyle for years, so they know that plans weren’t canceled, they were just postponed.”
But when the opportunity arose, my wife and children were fully supportive. My kids want their dad to be their coach and win games, and having that support behind me means everything. ”
Fuchs lifting the famous Premier League trophy in 2016
As well as support from loved ones, Fuchs turned to various stakeholders within the game for support in his first senior management role.
Dean Smith was the manager when he was in Charlotte, and he also reached out to Brendan Rodgers. Brendan Rodgers had a working relationship with Newport County chairman Hugh Jenkins during his time at Swansea.
Fuchs laughs when told that he tried to bring in former team-mate Jamie Vardy to strengthen his attacking options.
“I called Jamie and it was kind of a joke,” the Austrian said with a smile. “I knew the answer before I even called, it was a short conversation and I moved on quickly.
“Obviously I have great memories at Leicester City, but I am fully committed to the players here and they have my full confidence. “Our recent run of form, with eight points from five home games, shows that something positive is building.”
Fuchs and Jamie Vardy were teammates at Leicester
The turnaround is no mean feat considering Newport hadn’t won a game at home all season before Fuchs’ arrival. They still struggle on the road and are slowly working towards improving their performance.
“Confidence was the main issue,” Fuchs said. “Belief in our abilities and in the group. That was our early focus. I think strictly speaking this is a top team that shouldn’t be in its current position.”
“The only way forward is to work hard, stay focused and stay united. The players and staff have shown that dedication and it feels great to be a part of that process.”
Despite the daunting task at hand of keeping Newport County in the Football League, Fuchs’ enthusiasm remains undiminished.
“I love this role,” he says. “What drives me the most is proving people wrong. The doubters are always loud when things go wrong. It’s been a part of my life since I was young, people telling me I can’t achieve certain things.
“It’s an incredible feeling to be able to prove them wrong. That’s my motivation here at Newport as well.”
Fuchs knows from his 10 years as a player that dedication and a desire to silence doubters can go a long way.
