After 0-0 in Copenhagen – Yakin: “You can certainly build on that” – Sport

The Swiss national coach, like his players, assessed the zero against Denmark as positive.

The 2024 European Championship year began for Murat Yakin’s team with a 0-0 draw in the friendly against Denmark. Anyone who expected quarreling Nati players after the appearance in Copenhagen was proved wrong. “It was a great team performance,” said Yakin. “We can certainly build on that.” The national coach particularly liked how his team performed defensively.

The search for a striker

Nevertheless, when asked about the ongoing goal drought, he said jokingly: “We hope that maybe we can get another striker in shape somewhere so that he can be good for our game.” Overall, Yakin seemed relaxed in the interview; the move to La Manga in Spain had brought his team together. The past was reviewed and “very, very intensive discussions” were held.

The body language was much better from the first training session.

Granit Xhaka also had very positive comments. “I think that was a good start to the European Championship year.” Not everything was perfect, but the captain praised: “The body language was much better from the first training.” His team was aware that they had to act differently, “the last few months have not been good”.

Schär is happy about defensive stability

Central defender Fabian Schär was happy that Switzerland didn’t concede a goal. “The whole team defended with great solidarity. It was important for confidence to keep a clean sheet again.” Offensively it was a difficult game, you had to take more risks and create more goals.

Xherdan Shaqiri, who came on late as a substitute, was also unable to pose a goal threat. The US mercenary, who played his 120th international match, said: “It was clear that we hadn’t played together very often. It’s clear that it’s a little more difficult offensively, but defensively we did well and didn’t score a goal.”

Switzerland can prove their defensive qualities again and show their offensive strengths next Tuesday: Then Yakin’s team will take part in the next test against Ireland in Dublin.