Football

Xhaka insists that the Swiss must aim for a top 2 finish at the Euros

Arsenal midfielder and former captain has urged his national side Switzerland that anything less than a top two finish will be considered as a failure for the side.

The Switzerland captain, who is about to compete in his fourth major tournament, reckons that Switzerland has the squad to go all the way.

“We don’t need to beat around the bush: Our goal is a place in the top two. Anything else would be a big disappointment for me,” Xhaka told a weekend news conference as the Swiss prepared for Euro 2020.

This statement was made just a few days after the Switzerland coach suggested otherwise. Vladimir Petkovic warned everyone to refrain from having unrealistic expectations from the side.

Switzerland are placed in a tough group which includes Italy, Turkey and Wales. While Italy are the strongest team on paper in this group and are favourites to top the group, one must not underestimate Turkey who have been really impressive during the recent international breaks. Moreover, Wales also have a decent team which will be led by Gareth Bale. Wales were the only team among this quartet to reach the semi-finals of the 2016 edition.

Switzerland have a good squad themselves, but all their star players i.e Xherdan Shaqiri, Granit Xhaka, Yann Sommer and Manuel Akanji haven’t had the best of seasons. Taking all this into consideration, it will be regarded a good tournament for Switzerland if they finish in the top 2 of their group, not the entire tournament as their skipper believes.

“We are all more mature and, in every respect, much further down the road as a team. The core of the squad has been working together for years. The climate is right, the interpersonal atmosphere is right.

“At the 2014 World Cup and in France in 2016, we missed out by a hair’s breadth. In Russia, we were stopped by the Swedes because we were mostly mentally broken.”

Switzerland kick off their Euro 2020 campaign against Wales in Baku on June 12 and also play Italy and Turkey in Group A.

About the Author


Written by DafaNews

DafaNews brings you the most highlighted news in the world of Sports. It serves you up-to-date matches, scores, live streams, fantasy games and quizzes. Our news covers India's prestigious leagues and events – Premier League, Pro Kabbadi League, Cricket World Cup and many more. Follow DafaNews on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,Telegram and Youtube for more updates.

Related Post
Share
Published by
DafaNews

Recent Posts

Michael Vaughan feels India will miss previous tours’ ‘snarl’ to take down Australia in Border-Gavaskar series

Former England captain Michael Vaughan reckons India will miss the previous tours’ aggressive captaincy of… Read More

November 22, 2024

Deep Dasgupta wants Virat Kohli to play with ‘combative mindset’ against Australia in Border-Gavaskar series

Former Indian wicket-keeper bat Deep Dasgupta has urged Virat Kohli to play with an aggressive… Read More

November 22, 2024

Michael Hussey surprised after Ashwin-Jadeja’s omission in 1st AUS vs IND 2024 Test

Former Australian batter Michael Hussey has shared his surprise after Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja… Read More

November 22, 2024

Cheteshwar Pujara backs ‘experienced’ Virat Kohli to play important role in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Indian batter Cheteshwar Pujara has backed experienced Virat Kohli to play a key role in… Read More

November 22, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar questions Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection, says all-rounder lacks first-class experience

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has questioned Nitish Kumar Reddy’s selection in the opening Test match against… Read More

November 22, 2024

Sunil Gavaskar backs under-fire KL Rahul to find success in Border-Gavaskar series against Australia

Legendary Sunil Gavaskar has put his weight behind under-fire KL Rahul to savour success in… Read More

November 22, 2024