Murat Yakin before the Nations League match between Switzerland and Serbia

The pressure is on Murat Yakin and the Swiss national team.Image: trapezoid

Only a win against Serbia counts, preferably with a goal difference of at least two. Coach Murat Yakin's motto for Friday's game is: Total Attack.

Considering that against Serbia, Switzerland is missing a number of defenders, including defender Manuel Akanji, this is not a serious issue for Jakin. The 50-year-old national team coach said at a press conference that it is usually easier for new defensive players to cooperate with each other in a short period of time than forwards. “Against Serbia the focus is not on defense, but on attack. It will take more.”

Compared to Switzerland's 0-2 away defeat to Leskovac a month ago, Zurich's Lezgrund is expected to score. And it is mandatory. On the face of it, the starting position quickly made it clear: Switzerland can only avoid direct relegation to the second division if they win on Friday. Secondly, goal difference also plays a role. To tie Serbia on points after Monday's final match, Switzerland must win at home by at least two goals.

Granit Xhaka (left) from Switzerland reacts after Serbia scored 2-0 during their UEFA Nations League A4 qualifying match against Switzerland.

In Serbia, Switzerland has nothing to cheer about.Image: trapezoid

Okafor returns

Since a draw would be enough for Serbia to secure third place, Yakin expects the opponent to be a defensive one. “We need attacking full-backs and of course we have to take some risks to create scoring chances.” At the same time, you shouldn't be too impatient, reminds Yakin, recalling the home game against Spain when they Conceded two goals on the counterattack with one more player on the field.

The national team coach said he hopes to work with Fabian Rieder again behind the striker (possibly Brel Embolo). The recently retired Noah Okafor could be an option for the injured Dan Ndoye. After the European Cup, Yakin proved this with the 24-year-old's inadequate attitude without the AC Milan striker. Now Okafor is back with the team. “We had a great chat,” Yakin said. “He's integrated well and I'm happy with the intensity. He's shown his qualities, which I've always been a fan of.” Yakin is open to whether he'll get enough minutes in the starting lineup, but Okafor “will definitely get Necessary playing time.”

epa11720265 Swiss player Noah Okafor attends a national team training session on November 14, 2024 in Zurich, Switzerland. Switzerland will face Serbia in the UEFA Nations League on November 15…

Noah Okafor returns to the national team.Image: trapezoid

kobel intor

Goalkeeper Gregor Kerber, who was last injured at Borussia Dortmund, is certain to be in the starting lineup. “Gregor has been training intensively for a week and is in good physical condition,” Yakin confirmed. Yakin did not reveal who will be defending in front of him. Most likely, just like against Denmark, he will rely on a back four consisting of full-backs Eddy Milson Fernandez and Ulises Garcia, as they bring the required attacking power to the game.

It is unclear who will form the central defence. Ere Komelt is eligible, as are 21-year-olds Orele Amenda and Albian Hajdari, who will be playing for the senior national team for the first time. Experienced Ricardo Rodriguez is also likely to move from the left to the centre, making his 124th international appearance.

The national team’s relegation looks like this:

With strong performances in the last two games, the Swiss national team hopes to salvage its previous unfortunate UEFA Nations League campaign. As in previous weeks, Yakin said a lot of things were going against his team. On top of that, goals against Spain and Denmark could have been wrongly disallowed, causing pain for the national team coach. “If the winning goal against Denmark stands, second place in the group is still possible,” said Yakin, who will now hope to get the necessary luck that has been lacking so far against Serbia. (Standard Data Authority)

Swiss national team record player

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Swiss national team record player

In 1905, the Swiss national football team played its first match. These actors ran away 75 times or more For Switzerland. [Stand: 03.09.2024]

Topic: Keystone/Laurent Gillillon

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