UEFA Euro 2024: Switzerland coach Murat Yakin sets sights on comprehensive improvement

Three years after their quarterfinal appearance at the UEFA European Championship, the Swiss men's national football team is aiming high once again. Coached by former Swiss international Murat Yakin, the Swiss side has been grouped alongside Hungary, Scotland and hosts Germany at Euro 2024.

It is by no means an easy group, as Yakin emphasized in an interview with CGTN ahead of the tournament.

"We're playing in a very strong group. The Hungarians have recently shown that they are ready with victories over England and Germany. The Scots have also had a strong qualifying campaign for the European Championships. Germany has great potential and is playing at home," Yakin said.

During the Euro 2024 qualification campaign, Switzerland displayed their attacking prowess, scoring 22 goals in 10 games. At the same time, they conceded 11 goals in those games. Yakin said he was eyeing improvements at both ends of the pitch ahead of the tournament.

"We created a lot of chances in qualifying, but they weren't efficient enough. At the same time, we conceded very easy goals. We still have room for improvement in both offense and defense. We need focus, concentration and the absolute will to prevent goals at the back and score goals at the front," he stressed.

With many key names like skipper Granit Xhaka, Yann Sommer and Manuel Akanji, among others, coming into the tournament in good form and on the back of domestic success with their clubs, Switzerland will have quite a few players high in confidence, which Yakin believes will rub off on other players as well.

"Titles and victories always give you confidence. To be successful in a tournament, you need players with confidence. I'm also sure that this confidence will be transferred to the other players," the 49-year-old coach said.

Boasting a large pool of quality players, Yakin and his colleagues in the coaching staff were spoilt for choice when finalizing the squad for the Euros. "Quality, experience and team spirit" were the three key attributes he looked at when picking the squad, he said.

Asked to comment on Swiss football and its ability to produce high-quality talent over the years, Yakin said work at the grassroots has boosted the country's football industry.

"There is very good work going on in the association and at the grassroots level. There is a clear plan and a constant desire to improve. In addition, Switzerland is courageous and always finds its own new ways in children's football and talent development. That pays off," he said.

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