VLADIMIR PETKOVIC
How do you reflect on Switzerland’s elimination at the 2018 World Cup? We played a good tournament up to that point and were in good shape. The penultimate group game cost us a lot of mental strength, which we lacked in the last 16. For such games, everyone has to be mentally and physically 100 per cent ready and focused. Like mountain climbing – the higher you go, the thinner the air, and the stronger you have to be. In general, how would you describe your I want us to always play our game, characterised by a relatively high press. We don’t adapt to the opponent; we have our own plan. But we always do this with the necessary respect for the opponent. You defeated Belgium 5-2 in the first Nations League. Does this give you belief that you can beat the big teams? We also showed against Spain and Germany that we don’t hide from “big” opponents. We always want to win – against every opponent. At the same time, we are also realistic and know that we have to perform 120 per cent against these top nations
in order to win. In the first game against Belgium, we gave it 100 per cent and lost. In the second when we won, we had to give more than 100 per cent. Kevin Mbabu has been a revelation. What does he bring to your XI? He is a modern outside player with a lot of speed and an urge to move forward. He is also dangerous in front of goal. The most important thing is that he is 100 per cent ready physically and mentally. How frustrating has Xherdan Shaqiri’s lack of match fitness been? The last time we were together he showed that you can count on him at any time, even if he doesn’t always play for his club. Like any player, Xherdan needs playing time, security and a good physical condition to help us. His creativity is a great enrichment for any team. Your team doesn’t score goals easily. Does that worry you? We create a lot of chances in every game and many players were involved in goals. We have to be constantly more hands-on in the final third. Against Spain and Germany we showed we can do it. It is a very strong group in which a lot is possible. Italy are the favourites. They play at home and have not lost a game in almost two years. Wales and Turkey are difficult opponents with some stars. In Baku, Turkey will almost be at home. Can you break the glass ceiling at Euro 2020? You can’t predict something like that. There are no easy opponents. For Switzerland it is always a success to be part of a tournament and more so if you progress. Samindra Kunti