At Yakin’s side: Captain Xhaka introduces an ex-Nati friend as assistant coach

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The Swiss Football Association is looking for an assistant for the national team after the departure of Vincent Cavin (48). Captain Granit Xhaka (31) brings Stephan Lichtsteiner into play.

“It would certainly be an advantage if someone with experience at the highest level could join us. An ex-player who knows exactly what is going on inside and outside a national team. Someone with open ears and eyes, who communicates, who can be an extra competent contact person for the players – someone who also corrects us if something is wrong,” says Xhaka in an interview with the Keystone-SDA news agency.

A great solution for Xhaka

For the national record player, Stephan Lichtsteiner would fully meet the requirements: “He would be a great solution for our team. He knows how to win and what it takes to be successful.” The key player of Bundesliga leader Bayer Leverkusen is full of praise for the former series champion with Juventus Turin. «Steph enjoys the highest reputation at home and abroad; he is fully respected everywhere. He is currently gaining his first experience as a coach in Basel. So why not?”

The almost 40-year-old Lichtsteiner has been coaching the U16 juniors of FC Basel since last summer and is on the board of directors of HC Lugano. As a player, he was considered a hard worker who set high standards for those around him. Xhaka got to know and appreciate the former top defender better during his time at Arsenal. “He came to London when he was 34 and demonstrated his professionalism to everyone every day. Then I saw and finally understood why he won all his titles with Juventus. That’s no surprise. The way you prepare, behave and train is how you play at the end of the day. That has to get into our heads.”

“You have to be a team”

With a view to the European Championship in June in Germany with preliminary round matches against Hungary, Scotland and the host countries, Xhaka is concerned about the defensive stability of the SFV selection. “Playful means alone won’t do it. We see that every day in the Bundesliga and the Premier League. You have to run, win duels, you have to be a team, otherwise it will be a very difficult year for us.

“Lichtsteiner could refine our defensive structure. In my opinion, defense is extremely important. Good work in the back area makes the road to victory easier, so a lot depends on the defense,” reports Xhaka from Leverkusen before the start of the second half of the Bundesliga season. (SDA)

Source : Blick