Toulouse captain exclusively on the first Nati squad: Sierro missed Yakin’s first call-up

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Even during the YB days, there were voices saying Vincent Sierro (28) had what it took to be a national player. But they weren’t particularly loud. The Bernese would rather demand Sandro Lauper. Or Michel Aebischer. Only Sierro’s advisor Michel Urscheler kept emphasizing: “Vincent has the potential to become a national team player!” And now, in March 2024, Urscheler is proven right. Murat Yakin (49) offers Sierro for the first time.

The player experiences it himself on the ergometer. «After training I went on my bike to relax. After five minutes I picked up the mobile phone and saw a missed call: Murat Yakin! I immediately knew it was the national coach, because I had saved his number.”

Of course it clicks immediately, because there are not many other reasons for Yakin to call the Valais shortly before the call. “I was very excited. And the players around me were curious and happy for me.” Half an hour later there is a telephone conversation between Yakin and Sierro.

Lots of competition in Nati’s midfield

At the age of 28, the first call. Surprised? “At least I did everything for it. I tried to be the best I could. To take responsibility. To help the team. And I’ve made great progress.”

Still, the line-up comes as a surprise. Not primarily because Sierro is 28. But because of the enormous competition in central midfield: Xhaka, Freuler, Zakaria, Aebischer, Sow, Jashari, Rieder (see box). “There are many players with extremely high quality. That’s why it was so hard to be there just once.”

He had already come close to selection a few times. The picket list knows the name Sierro very well. “But it’s never just about you. The conditions must be good. What our direct competitors do is important.” Therefore, the disappointment of always being overlooked was limited. “But she was there,” says Sierro. With full understanding of the circumstances.

Sierro is flourishing in Toulouse

Furthermore, the chances of being called up in a top five country are vastly higher than at a Swiss club. And Sierro literally exploded in Toulouse! He has become a top performer, a leader, a recognizable figure and a goalscorer (four championship goals in 2024!). And for the captain.

How did that happen? ‘I feel completely at home in this team. I like the coach’s game idea and our system: playing from the back. Circulate the ball. Combination football. That is also the reason I chose Toulouse. I didn’t end up here by chance. The philosophy had to be right.”

But how did Sierro become captain at the start of the season? «My position is predestined for this. I am one of the experienced ones. Someone who talks a lot. Who encourages his teammates. But they also position and place. And I think: someone who also understands the game. Game intelligence is one of my strengths.” And also other intelligence. Sierro completed a bachelor’s degree in economics via distance learning. It almost goes without saying that he speaks many languages. “It also helps if you can communicate with everyone.”

How good are his chances at the European Championship?

But despite a Sierro in top form and a strong Europa League campaign with the sensational win over Liverpool, progress and the razor-thin round of 16 exit against Benfica Lisbon – in the domestic league the focus is on staying in the competition. “In the preliminary round the team was under construction. Now we have found each other. The dynamism and self-confidence have increased.” In fact, Toulouse is in sixth place in the annual table. The overall result only resulted in eleventh place. “But we are slowly getting out of the red zone,” says Sierro.

Back to the national team. What are Sierra’s chances for the euro? Xhaka, Freuler and Zakaria are in the circle of very talented midfielders. But after that? Most recently, Aebischer was number four. But the Friborg player has lost his regular place in Bologna. He has only started one of the last five games. Sierro can definitely keep an eye on this place. “Being there is both a dream and a goal. I want more. Even if it will be difficult. It is now up to me to show who I am in the minutes I hopefully get.”

There is certainly a chance that the man from Sierre will travel to Germany.

Source : Blick