Shaqiri about the Nati form crisis: “This is how it will be difficult at the European Championship”

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Xherdan Shaqiri (32) does not mince his words when he provides information after the defeat against Romania. “So it will be difficult at the European Championships. Other opponents are coming at us.” The magical dwarf is critical of the performance in Bucharest. “Not only do we always have to play nice, but we can also get dirty sometimes.” What Shaq means by this: it is better to win efficiently once than to always be dominant, but without income. In Bucharest, Shaqiri was one of the most striking members of the Swiss team during the first half hour.

In the end it is 0:1. Due to the missed group win, Switzerland ends up in pot 4, together with Italy, Serbia and the three teams that qualify through the play-offs in March. An easy group in June would be matches with Belgium, Romania and Slovenia, a possible dream group: with Germany, Austria and the Netherlands.

That would also be in the interest of Shaqiri, who would like to play an opening game. This will take place on June 14 in Munich – with Germany as host country. “But I am happy that the euro will not start until next summer,” says Shaqiri. He doesn’t feel like making big noises right now. “We have to be careful what we say and always keep our feet on the ground,” Shaq said. «Because we are still little Switzerland. We were always successful when everyone pushed their limits.”

Nati doesn’t have to hide

That is not happening at the moment, there is no other way to explain the results crisis of four games without a win in a row. “Currently we are being cruelly punished. Every shot is a goal,” says Granit Xhaka (31). But the captain is confident the Nati ship will be back on track when it reaches Germany. “We are now participating in the sixth major tournament, so you can have high expectations,” said Xhaka. “We don’t have to hide, we can stand up to anyone.”

When he hears that the national team cannot draw Italy and Serbia, he can’t help but smile. The two World Cup matches against Serbia were the subject of discussion far beyond the football field; Nati was rejected against Italy in the preliminary round in Rome in 2021 (0:3). Xhaka does not have a dream opponent. Germany, where he currently lives and plays? “They know what we are capable of,” Xhaka said.

Source : Blick