Swiss champion Thun sells two more players in talent drain from surprise title team

THUN, Switzerland (AP) — Swiss champion Thun sold two more players Monday from its surprise title-winning team in a tough start to the season that included a quick exit from the Champions League.

Thun said defender Michael Heule joined Heidenheim in Germany and midfielder Valmir Matoshi went to Sturm Graz, the Austrian club that is in the Europa league this season.

Thun reportedly will receive 3.75 million euros ($4.4 million) in combined transfer fees for the pair, who each played more than 30 league games last season as the newly promoted team stunningly eased to its first Swiss title.

In the first home game of its title defense, Thun lost 6-0 to Young Boys and it was 7-0 to Lech Poznan last week in the first leg of a Europa League qualifying playoff. If Thun is eliminated after the return game Thursday it will play in the third-tier Conference League starting Oct. 15.

Thun began its season in Champions League qualifying rounds in July but was eliminated by Dinamo Zagreb. Thun held a two-goal lead deep into the second leg before defender Marco Bürki was sent off.

Success last season drew attention from richer rivals and Thun coach Mauro Lustrinelli went to Union Berlin, top prospect Ethan Meichtry joined Genoa, then leading scorers Elmin Rastoder and Christopher Ibayi left for, respectively, Panathinaikos and Moroccan club MAS.

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