Contract poker for the national coach: Yakin lets the association play

The unrest of that time is probably still in the bones of the association directors. There is no other explanation for the fact that they are now going even further: according to reports, Yakin recently had the opportunity to extend his contract, which expires at the end of the European Championship, until 2026. The SFV wanted new discussions about the future of prevent coaching. In the run-up to the European Championships and especially during the tournament, the focus should only be on the sport.

When announcing the selection for the test matches against Denmark and Ireland, Yakin announced that he was also interested in a future as national coach outside the European Championship. But adds: “I am only interested in our performance at the European Championship. We can discuss the rest afterwards.”

A coach who was on the list a few months ago and refuses to immediately renew his contract – why is that? The devil is in the details: as Blick has learned from association circles, there must be a hurdle built into the new contract that Yakin should not like at all. In other words: if they had missed the quarter-finals of the European Championship, the SFV could have said goodbye to Yakin in the summer without financial disadvantages. Only qualifying for the round of the last eight would have confirmed the coach’s appointment for the next two years.

Yakin is aware of his good position

Possible opponents in the round of 16 at the European Championship include Spain, Italy, Croatia and England. Can the outcome of a possible knockout match against such a football giant seal the fate of the Swiss national coach? Isn’t that a bit presumptuous and rather a sign of arrogance?

The fact is: Yakin did not want to sign a new contract under these circumstances. He makes the association appear first in its attempts to bring calm to the coaching conversation. And it remains that way. Yakin categorically rules out a contract extension before the European Championship.

He must know that in the event of a quarter-final qualification in the summer, the association will definitely come knocking on his door again. And his position in the negotiations would then be stronger than ever. Because there are many doors open for a coach who leads Switzerland to a European Championship quarter-final. See Vladimir Petkovic, who signed a much better-paying contract with Girondins Bordeaux after the quarter-final coup at the 2021 European Championship.

When asked how he thinks about his future after the European Championship, Yakin says relaxed: “If it stays like this in the national team, then it will continue. If not, perhaps another door will open. Or I can also imagine taking a break again.”