Murat Yakin, technical commissioner of the national team, announced an initial expanded list of 38 players ahead of the European Championships. Also among those called up are the Bianconeri Renato Steffen, Uran Bislimi and Albian Hajdari. This preselection is a first step towards defining the final squad that will represent Switzerland in Germany.
The final list of 26 players called up will only be announced on 6 June. Ticino Welcome interviewed the Red Cross coach a few weeks before his debut on 15 June in Cologne against Hungary.
After participating in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar and the ticket for Euro 2024, how would Murat Yakin evaluate his performance at the helm of «Nati»?
«We have achieved all the objectives we had set ourselves. This makes me happy and proud. We had a period of crisis in terms of results in the European qualifiers, even though we know where and what we need to improve."
Yann Sommer (Italian champion), Granit Xhaka (German champion) and Manuel Akanji (English champion and Champions League semi-finalist with Manchester City) bring morale and prestige throughout the national team environment.
«These are very important successes for the entire team. This strength and self-confidence must be passed on to their teammates, who can take example from their experience at the highest levels."
Okafor, Freuler, Ndoye and Aebischer shone in Italy, while Zakaria, Bislimi and Steffen were decisive in AS Monaco and Lugano.
«The performances of the Bologna players are truly exceptional. The other players also have important roles in their teams. The decisive thing is that they not only play regularly, but also take on a role of responsibility. This has a positive impact on the strength of a national team."
Amdouni has established himself in the Premier League following his call-up. How do you evaluate his contribution to the promotion of young talents?
«My role is also to give space to young people and transform them into important players. We want to take this step with Okafor, Vargas, Ndoye and Amdouni. The latter is having a good run, even if in England he wasn't able to celebrate only victories. This path will make him even stronger and we will still have a lot of satisfaction with Zeki."
The talents selected by Murat Yakin stand out for their courage and character. How do you describe his work in developing these players?
«As a national team coach you don't have time to further develop the athletes on the pitch. But it is my and our job to give them confidence, to insert them into a gaming system with our philosophy. I believe the sense of responsibility they must acquire is fundamental."
Among the 38 pre-selected that you announced last May 17th in Lausanne there are several debutants, including Hajdari. The Lugano hopes for a Juventus European Championship...
«Albian is among the players who have played an impressive season, like Monteiro from Young Boys, Sierro from Toulouse or Zuber from AEK Athens. I hope to recover from their respective injuries as well as Embolo and Zakaria."
Hungary, Scotland and Germany: how do you rate Switzerland's Group A at the European Championships?
«It is very strong, with the Germans as favorites as hosts. It's also a group where everyone can beat everyone. I expect very balanced matches."
What are your thoughts on our opponents?
«I always and only think about our team. One thing is certain: no one wants to play against us. The draw is always random and must not influence us in any way. We will be ready to face our opponents. And it's not just Germany, because we know this national team very well, but also the other two contenders, who could be underestimated. We know the qualities of Scotland and Hungary thoroughly."
Do you expect a massive presence of Swiss fans in Cologne and Frankfurt for the first three matches?
«Of course, and I can't wait. There is a lot of anticipation in Switzerland. Now our task is to continue to fuel this euphoria."
What is your goal for Euro 2024?
«Overcoming this difficult group. Then anything can happen..."
