Under the guidance of new coach Lambertus Theunissen, the Young Boys started the 1980-81 season with the determination to improve on what had been a disappointing campaign the previous year. There were real signs of progress, as YB finished in a solid fourth place in the league, just outside of the European spots. Theunissen built a team that was hard to beat with only 4 defeats throughout the season, although 11 draws kept them from the title despite the efforts of top scorer Roland Schonenberger. Highlights of the season include an impressive 4-1 away victory against Servette and a 3-1 home win against Neuchâtel.
