Coach Patrick Fischer practices self-criticism

Since Switzerland returned to Group A in 1998, they have been able to catch up with the world leaders; she is currently ranked 7th in the world. But apart from at the world championships, she was never allowed to sit at the table of the big nations in Europe. Despite all diplomatic efforts, Russia, Sweden, the Czech Republic and Finland have kept to themselves as part of their Euro Hockey Tour.

Only now that the warmonger Russia is no longer wanted has Switzerland gained access to the exclusive circle as a substitute. Switzerland is now testing against top nations at three tournaments each in November, December and February until 2024. It represents an enormous upgrading of these dates, because in the last decade the Swiss had to make do with opponents like Germany, Slovakia, Norway or the second guard of Russia. The games were often unattractive – for the sparse audience and also for the national players, who were tempted to say: “Oh, unfortunately the groin pinches, I can’t right now.”

The coach Patrick Fischer, 47, brought increased commitment to the national team program soon after taking up the position in 2015. Anyone who cancels without a valid reason will not be considered for the time being. The ban beam hit team pillars such as Denis Malgin and Dean Kukan, among others. In an interview, Fischer says that the motivation of the players for the Euro Hockey Tour is noticeably high. And he also says that after three lost World Cup quarterfinals in a row and an unsuccessful Olympic tournament, the pressure on him is increasing.

Patrick Fischer, what does participating in the Euro Hockey Tour bring to Switzerland?

We benefit a lot, these encounters are important indicators. The level is similar to that at a World Cup, you can see immediately which players can set accents. And which ones don’t. It’s a great story for us. Even if the reason is very sad with this senseless war.

How often can you nominate the best possible team for these tournaments?

Games against well-known nations are also attractive for the players, we can see that the motivation is great. But there are certain restrictions, especially when it comes to players from clubs that have reached the knockout stages of the Champions League. I think the maximum is two entries per player for the three tournaments: the Karjala Cup, the Swiss Hockey Games in Freiburg in December and the Beijer Hockey Games. Most will be there. Fortunately, we now have a certain breadth.

Since Switzerland won silver in Copenhagen in 2018, your team has missed the goals set at all tournaments.

That’s correct. But you also have to see that we set ourselves high, ambitious goals. Namely medals and eventually the title. With this we have achieved that the mindset has changed, that everyone wants more. Before I became national coach, the qualifying rate for the quarter-finals was 50 percent. In the last five tournaments it was 100 percent. That’s progress. But I’ll never be happy with a tournament if we haven’t won a medal. That’s the athlete mindset.

What conclusions have you drawn from the 2022 World Cup?

We played a very, very good group stage. By the way, also thanks to the participation in the Beijer Games shortly before the start of the tournament. But then we lost the quarterfinals again. One finding is that we want to focus the preparation more on the final weekend. That we will then reach the peak.

In the last two tournaments, Switzerland failed with the USA and Germany against opponents against whom they were favoured. Does that make defeats more annoying?

Defeats are always bitter. I almost can’t stand them, it was like that when I was a player. I think it’s getting harder to explain. The reason used to be clear, we just didn’t score enough goals. Today it’s more complicated. We had significantly more shots and chances against both opponents and still lost.

Is there a quarterfinal complex?

Not at all. It was always a different story. And I am sure that we have grown from these defeats.

Your contract runs until 2024. Is the pressure increasing?

Clear. At some point we have to break through. Otherwise another coach has to try it.

You’ve been national coach for seven years now. Would you still be tempted to return to North America?

Of course, everyone in this circus is drawn to the NHL. But I am happy and grateful to be the Swiss national coach and I will do everything to achieve this dream of gold together. Because sooner or later we will.

You have spoken out clearly against increasing the quota of foreigners from four to six players in the National League. Do you see your fears confirmed in the first 20 championship rounds?

It is already noticeable how few Swiss players are currently at the top of the scorer list. In many clubs, the foreigners are forced, also in the power play. This can become a problem for the national team in the long term. It is especially important for young players that they get enough ice time, this is the only way they can develop further.

Five teams rely on a foreign number one goalkeeper. In the national team, the aging duo Leonardo Genoni/Reto Berra will at least have to be relieved sooner rather than later.

Yes, that’s another point. In the last ten years, Switzerland has struggled to produce goalies of international caliber. As you know, I’m an optimist. There will be one for the national team who will be ready to take over the reins in two years’ time. But in general I would wish that we in Swiss ice hockey would think a bit more about the big picture.

What do you mean?

Of course there are club and individual interests. But basically we have to say this to ourselves: if somewhere in our country a little girl or a little boy has the dream of playing for the national team at some point, then we have to do everything we can to make this vision a reality. Just like Finland does in ice hockey or Belgium in soccer. That doesn’t happen enough for my taste at the moment. Everyone cooks their own soup. As a small ice hockey nation, we can only be successful if everyone pulls together. If the cohesion is right.