Under new coach Lambertus Theunissen, Young Boys kicked off the 1980-81 season determined to improve on what had been a disappointing campaign the previous year. There were real signs of progress too as YB managed a strong fourth-placed League finish, just outside of the European places. Theunissen built a team that was hard to beat with just 4 defeats all season, though 11 draws put them out of title contention despite the best efforts of top scorer Roland Schonenberger. Highlights of the League season came with an impressive 4-1 away win at Servette and a 3-1 win home against Neuchatel.