Tough Nati trainer: Inka Grings tightens the screw

class=”sc-29f61514-0 jbwksb”>

Switzerland has been experiencing high summer temperatures for weeks. The thermometer has already been above 30 degrees several times. However, the Nati players are not enjoying the Badi weather, on the contrary. Last week in Magglingen and now in Yverdon they are working hard for the World Cup. “We tightened up considerably, that’s right. Last Tuesday, the players didn’t know how to get up,” laughs coach Inka Grings. But she’s actually pretty nice. “They were allowed to play with the ball for 45 minutes, then they were allowed to run…”. Creepy badass!

Lesson from the EM last year

For the German, physique is the most important thing: “We have incredibly good players who can kick well. But if you break in after an hour, it won’t help you.” The increased emphasis on physique is a lesson from last year’s European Championships, when the Swiss were not in top physical shape. “It was noticeable that after 60, 70 minutes the air was out. The statistics prove that too,” says Grings. The Swiss conceded all eight goals after the break against Portugal (2-2), Sweden (1-2) and the Netherlands (1-4). The logical consequence: the national team had to pack their bags after the preliminary round.

The intensive training is also in the interest of the players. “It makes sense to do a hard preparation. When you are fit, everything is much easier for you,” says Ramona Bachmann. “After last year’s friendly against England, the English women who did not play 90 minutes then had to train for an hour and a half,” said the PSG striker. A few weeks later they were European champions.” Captain Lia Wälti, who still trains individually after her ankle injury, also supports the increased intensity. “We will have limited playing opportunities against some teams at the World Cup. Then we have to get over the physique.”

Compete for the last World Cup tickets

Comparisons with last year show that the players have run significantly more in the preparation than before the European Championship. The agony is worth it because not everyone has the World Cup ticket for sure. At the latest after Friday’s friendly match against Zambia in Biel, Grings will decide which two players must leave the camp and stay at home.

Even established Nati players like Coumba Sow (28/34 internationals) or Riola Xhemaili (20/22 LS) don’t have carte blanche. It is clear that after a not so easy second half of the season, these two are not on the same level as, say, Noelle Maritz, who played on at Arsenal, according to Grings. “But all players have two weeks to show themselves. If they sacrifice themselves and go the extra mile, then we know we can count on them, they have a chance.”

Team chick Beney convinces

Other shaky candidates are: Fabienne Humm, who misses the current preparation week due to work, but also Laura Felber, Armina Arfaoui and Marion Rey, who have only played a few international matches. Iman Beney (16) has a good chance to participate. The chick in the Swiss team has impressed so far. It wouldn’t be surprising if she also survived the last roster cut. In any case, one thing is clear: the 23 who go to the other end of the world in 10 days will be in top form.

Source : Blick