More defeats – Natti must adapt to circumstances against Spain

Coach showed flu symptoms and three players didn't even fly to Tenerife: Switzerland's national team faces personnel shortages ahead of their match against European champions Spain. But multiple absences can also be an opportunity.

Céline Feller, Santa Cruz de Tenerife/ch media

The Swiss national football team is currently in great need of improvisational talent. Or as Natty coach Murat Yakin puts it: Creativity. When naming the squad for the two Nations League games against Serbia and Spain, Yakin had to rely on players who had been absent from the national team circle for a long time or who had never been in the international team at all.

The longer the last Swiss party of the year went on, the more improvisation needed to be done. On the day of arrival in Zurich a week ago, only four people canceled their reservations. Filip Uglinic is out for Friday's game against Serbia. The day after the 1-1 draw, the team suffered four more mutations, resulting in relegation from Nations League A: Aurèle Amenda suffered a knee injury against Serbia, Aden Dja Ardon Jashari had the flu and Breel Embolo was suspended, which is why the trio didn't even start traveling after Tenerife. Cédric Zesiger has been named for this purpose and is expected to address the growing shortage of personnel at the back.

The appointment of Cedric Zesiger is expected to solve the problem of personnel shortage in the defense.Image: trapezoid

Yakin had to miss Sunday due to flu symptoms

But that's not all failure. The day before the game, Murat Yakin himself had flu symptoms, suffering from a severe sore throat and a slight fever. He did take part in the final training session, but it remains to be seen whether he will be fit for Monday night's game (8:45 p.m.).

On Sunday afternoon, assistant coach Giorgio Contini, who replaced Yakin, explained how further personnel changes would affect the starting eleven. He quickly made it clear: This situation could also be an opportunity.

An opportunity for players who have played little or no football in the national team recently. For example, players like Eli Komelt. “I want to show that I can be an option in the near future,” said the Spain veteran, who has been under contract at Valladolid since this summer.

Erre Komelt (left) converted the penalty against Serbia – and now he can show off his talents again.Image: trapezoid

“We want to look at those players who haven't played that many minutes for the national team yet. We will give one of the parties the option to do that,” Contini said.

Do Chinese Super League players have a chance?

In particular, players from the Chinese Super League are likely to be able to show off their talents in front of the European champions. As well as Komelt, Lugano regular Albian Hajdari could also make his debut. Derek Kutesa (Servette) was praised by Yakin after being substituted on Friday and should get game time again. Joel Monteiro and the rehabbed Filip Ugrinic (both YB) are also legitimate prospects to play.

However, Yakin and his coaching staff did not want to field an entirely new team on the field. Given the importance of sports, there would be an option to do so. But with the opponent still being Spain and the national team not wanting to end the football year under the impression of a wolf pack, they are looking for the right balance.

“We will maintain the fundamentals of the squad because we want a stable squad. We cannot swap everyone. When making changes it is always vital that certain players continue to provide stability. Swapping all 11 players is possible It doesn’t work,” Contini said, explaining the staff’s considerations.

Kerber and Xhaka may have been confirmed

Who these players are to ensure stability is still being considered. Gregor Kerber is likely to be one of them; according to Contini, there are no signs of that changing just yet. Along with Granit Xhaka, another player should be in place as the captain looks to feature in every game. Considerations about who might need a break due to a busy match calendar didn't resonate. Contini: “We want a hungry team that can withstand strong opponents.”

Can Greg Kerber finally keep his first clean sheet for his country against Spain?Picture: www.imago-images.de

Despite all these forced changes, the defensive shape should remain the same: “We have played with a back four in the last few games and I think we will keep that pattern,” Contini said.

Although this game is of little significance, the assistant coach is still looking forward to the game against Spain. Because this is the first opportunity to show that you will work hard to improve yourself and the associated mindset. The last game of the year is not only an opportunity for certain players to show themselves, but also an opportunity for the coaching staff to set the direction for 2025 and the World Cup qualifiers that will begin.

Roman Josi, 1 goal, 1 assist, 2 shots, 2 blocks, 22:41 TOI
Pius Suter, 2 shots, 2 checks, 13:19 TOI