If Petkovic smiles just

Vladimir Petkovic with a grin. The man does not find it in front of him not to Laugh.

It's Friday night, in Tbilisi, media conference ahead of the game. On the Podium of the Swiss national coach, sitting Captain Stephan Lichtsteiner and his Goalie Yann Sommer. And then a Georgian Journalist grabs the microphone on his head he wears a captain's hat.

He has, apparently, an important question to ask. In any case, talks and talks and he talks. And at some point, Petkovic has to make you smile. That is, before the coach learns from the Translator, what it's about. Namely, the following.

media conference of the Swiss national team before the match with Georgia. Video: Eva Tedesco.

On Monday Petkovic has begun, the national team of the week in Switzerland with an assessment of the Georgian soccer . He said at the time, according to the sense, the Georgians played a mixture of Brazilian and Russian football. The Georgian Journalist is not in agreement. And he says Petkovic now.

The Russian football have always lived by the force, in the case of the Georgians, however, it went always to the Improvisation, to the Lustful. Petkovic takes the words. Answers friendly. And smiles more.

The situation: Fail forbidden

The 55-year-old Petkovic knows from his last two qualifications, the importance of a good Start. In the fall of 2014 there was to the initial two defeats against England and Slovenia, and some anxiety, especially around his Person. It took a great effort to qualify for the European Championships in France. Two years later, there was the beginning of the 2:0 against European Champions Portugal, and then the 3:2 in Hungary, the momentum carried Switzerland to the world Cup in 2018. "Positivity brings positivity," says Petkovic.

Video: The complicated qualification mode explains How to qualify for small Nations for the European championship. Video: Marcel Rohner.

the 50 games he has played so far, lost 29 and won only 12. Twice, in 2016 and 2018, he stood with his team in one-eighth final. The facts are facts. A fact is, however, that the participation in the next European Championships. This has to do with the role of Switzerland as number 8 in the world, the group of opponents, and the mode.

Against the numbers 10 (Denmark), 22 (Ireland), 91 (Georgia) and 211 (Gibraltar) there may be two, three unpleasant tasks. But who has the claim of Switzerland, must be one of the first two ranks to reach, in order to secure a direct place in the finals. "We want to be dominant" is Petkovic's principle, when it comes to the alignment of his team. This must also apply to this group.

Should it go wrong, the Switzerland is still the opportunity to come to the Playoffs for the Nations Cup to the European championship. This luxury, she has created thanks to the 5:2-victory against Belgium.

failures: Petkovic's memory

How times have changed! Up to the Start in the Nations Cup Haris Seferovic was in the country more unpopular than popular. Then he shot at the 6:0 against Iceland with a goal and was celebrated by the St. Gallen public. And then he had, especially against Belgium, his big day with three hits. Now he's not there, and he leaves a gap. Seferovic tweaks it for a good two weeks in the bar, after he has scored for Benfica in eight Games with eleven gates.

"We're talking about the one that are there," is the Credo of Coach Petkovic, "we have many important players. Again and again one of them has failed. And still, it went well. None are missing so much that we are looking for an excuse." It is based roughly on the last world Cup qualifiers, including a Barrage, as Shaqiri, Xhaka or just Behrami always lacked, and the victories still together.

that's Why Petkovic loses, at least publicly, any further thoughts about the common cold from Admir Mehmedi and even not about the failure of Xherdan Shaqiri. Also Shaqiri, the players of Liverpool, has problems with the bar, is lit, and the obviously already longer. This could also be an explanation as to why he came since the beginning of February in the nine Games in which his club has only twice briefly.

The lineup: The question mark

those are the numbers games to the System: 3-4-3 or 4-2-3-1? What Petkovic selects for this afternoon?

he Chooses one of the three defenses, he gives all the Central defenders have a Chance, currently in the Form of: Fabian Schär, Manuel Akanji and Nico Elvedi. The two outer runners are in this System, Stephan Lichtsteiner and Ricardo Rodriguez. The centre of the midfield Granit Xhaka as chief, and Denis Zakaria as an assistant. The 3-4-3 has the advantage that the deficits in the Offensive after the numerous failures in terms of the numbers conceal. Steven Zuber and Breel Embolo, but who is storm Central: Mario Gavranovic or Albian Ajeti?

A 4-2-3-1 could mean that Petkovic relies purely on paper, more on the Offensive. In this case, Elvedi loses his place in the defensive and a more offensive player and more.

Probably Petkovic opts for this variant. And does so in a slightly modified Form. Therefore, Remo Freuler, of which he keeps so much in the team, and occupied the space in front of Xhaka/Zakaria and behind Embolo/making. What remains open is the question of the occupation of the storm center. The coach continues to Gavranovic, who has experience, but from an injury? Or Ajeti, who is less experienced, but strongly to insist against Georgia's strong defender?

the start of The game: Why 15?

Switzerland will now play Saturday at the national stadium 15 p.m. CET, in Tbilisi, but the 18 at. The qualification games are marketed by the Uefa since a few years ago Central. The European football Association is not executed the game plan and kick-off times to meet the needs of the TV stations, important areas to launch more Primetime – Georgia and Switzerland. But group games against less attractive opponents bring good money.

The Swiss football Association by Uefa every year, around 2.5 million franc reward from the marketing pot. And thanks to the early season, the Swiss will be able to fly back right after the Match.

The continuation of: points as a Basis

lands The crew in the night on Sunday shortly after midnight in Basel. They did so before the home match against Denmark two days. Three points will you have when you return. Against supposedly smaller opponents Switzerland is not tripped in years. Why? "Because we have always been focused, self-confident, but never arrogant," says Petkovic, "and that's supposed to be this Time."

(editing Tamedia)

Created: 22.03.2019, at 23:27