Nati for a groundbreaking week: pull yourself together!

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If they win against Israel, the national team can qualify for the European Championship against Israel on Wednesday. For the team, coach Murat Yakin, but also the association, the next seven days will be about more than just obtaining the European Championship ticket. They are all being closely monitored. Because qualification for the European Championship is – with all due respect to the opponents – only the absolute minimum goal in this weak group. A failure would be a huge shame. And actually unthinkable, given the recent past and the individual class of this SFV selection.

The matches against Israel, Kosovo and Romania are about correcting the distorted image that the association and its main figurehead have projected in recent months. There is no denying that there is mess within and around the national team. Reconciliations of the SFV exponents or not. Everthing okay? Not at all.

The team must regain the unity and self-image that distinguished them under Vladimir Petkovic and in the first half of the Yakin era. Merely participating in the European Championship is no longer a success for this generation, which has pushed boundaries by winning the European Championship round of 16 against the then world champion France in 2021 at the latest. The quarter-finals of the European Championship are the benchmark. She has decided this for herself. This is what it is measured by.

For this to happen it has to be good at all levels and the players have to show the class and form they show week after week in their daily lives with top European teams in the national team. The trainer and his staff have the responsibility to create the best conditions so that maximum success is possible: technically/tactically, but also in terms of general conditions. And the association would do well to fill in the trenches created during the campaign. With leadership and clear communication; internally and externally.

These points will be discussed at the latest during the internal exam after the qualification. Internal processes and responsibilities need to be adjusted, conflicts eliminated and personal details clarified so that the swinging Nati ship gets back on track. The focus is then on what will happen next for Nati coach Murat Yakin.

The coach and team can contribute to the recovery this week: with the European Championship ticket and the group win, so that Switzerland can at least get into pot 2 in the draw at the beginning of December. And with three wins. This would not only allow the national team to rehabilitate their recent disappointing performances in Kosovo (2:2) and against Belarus (3:3), but it would also show that they have not fundamentally lost their way.

If that happens, one can dream about the next summer fairytale in Germany. So, dear Nati, pull yourself together!

Source : Blick