Pet hate will not helpus
SWISS BOSS’ PLEA TO FANS
UNDER-FIRE boss Vladimir Petkovic has pleaded for “positivity” from Switzerland supporters.
With Switzerland’s hopes of qualifying for the knockout stages hanging by a thread, Petkovic and his players have come under intense scrutiny in his homeland.
In an open letter published in a Swiss newspaper, Petkovic called on fans to get behind the team for today’s must-win Group A game with Turkey in Baku.
“Against Turkey we have another chance to qualify for the round of 16 and we have to bring all of our values and virtues back to the pitch, in addition to the correct tactical plan, solidarity, joy and respect.
“Then we can do it.
“We do not always do what you expect from us. We are people who try to meet these demands, but unfortunately we do not always succeed.
“And that is why we need the support of all of you before this crucial game. Your solidarity, your positivity.
“We will do everything we can to ensure that we can all be happy together after the game.”
Ranked 13th in the world, the Swiss had won six games in a row coming into the Euros in a run which stretched back to last November.
But after being pegged back late on to draw with Wales and then being demolished by Italy, the Swiss have been accused of just being happy to make up the numbers.
Qualification is up for grabs and Petkovic told his players to seize the chance, adding: “We have spoken and I have told them there’s a match left and three points could get us to the next round. Everyone must give their all to get the result.”
Skipper Granit Xhaka said: “With a win against Turkey, we still have a good chance of qualifying.
“We weren’t close enough to the Italy players. Now we have to play more aggressively and be more compact.
“If you give the Italians as much room as we did, then you are always going to be running after your opponent.
“And when you give up possession as much as we did, you never find tranquillity in your game. We didn’t have enough players who wanted the ball.
“We have to work hard and look together to see what we can improve.”
Fellow midfielder Steven Zuber said: “The whole nation has been disappointed. It’s understandable.
“But we know what the feeling is like to be on the other side and that’s our aim.”
We do not always succeed and that is why we need the support of all of you before this crucial game