Grings explains why she’s leaving Xhemaili at home: “She needs to invest more”

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The fact that the name of Riola Xhemaili (20) is not on the list of 23 women is the big surprise when national coach Inka Grings announces the selection for the World Cup that starts on July 20 in the Europa-Allee in Zurich. Despite her young age, the Solothurn resident already has a lot of experience. The midfielder was part of the EM squad in 2022, having spent two years with Bundesliga club Freiburg before signing a three-year contract with Champions League finalist Wolfsburg a few weeks ago.

Apparently too low a track record for Grings. Because this unpacks the Xhemaili hammer. “There is no doubt that she brings qualities, but we need 100 percent fit players,” the German justified the waiving of the crying Xhemaili. “She is an important player for the future. But she needs to invest more. I hope this all starts a process for her. There can be no greater motivation than the home EM in two years.” However, Grings doesn’t want the non-nomination to be taken as a reminder.

The fact that Xhemaili has not been included is still hard to understand given their potential. Despite the qualifiers for the semi-finals at the U17 European Championship in May, the great talents are scarce at the SFV. And under Grings, the national team has not yet been able to convince. There has not yet been a win in five international matches, most recently against Zambia (3: 3) the Nati scraped past an embarrassment.

Five tournament debutants

In addition, with Laura Felber, Marion Rey and Lara Marti, players who only play a supporting role and will hardly get any playing time will leave for New Zealand. And with Fabienne Humm (36) there is one who missed a week of preparation for professional reasons. “She is extremely dangerous in the penalty area and has an instinct that few have,” explains Grings of the FCZ goalgetter nomination.

In addition to Xhemaili, Amira Arfaoui (23) also has to make the decision. The born Berner, who is under contract with Bayer Leverkusen, also failed to make the final cut. Iman Beney (16), Alisha Lehmann (24), Seraina Piubel (23), Marion Rey (24) and Laura Felber (21), on the other hand, are taking part in a final for the first time.

Thalmann the number 1

Beney is the shooting star of this preparation and celebrated a dream debut in the 3-3 draw against Zambia on Friday when she prepared the 2-3 shortly after coming on. The YB striker is a promise for the future and will become the youngest Swiss World Cup participant. “She asserted herself physically and also gained respect from the established players,” said Grings.

The team is led by captain Lia Wälti (30). Together with Ramona Bachmann (32), Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic (32), Eseosa Aigbogun (30), Fabienne Humm (36), Noelle Maritz (27) and Gaëlle Thalmann (37), Wälti was already in Canada in 2015 when the Nati celebrated their World Cup premiere. As announced by Blick, Thalmann will also tackle the fourth final round as number 1 in goal. Livia Peng is number 2, Seraina Friedli number 3.

Source : Blick