A big Nati question after the change of coach: Does Switzerland play more defensively under ex-defender Murat Yakin than under their offensive predecessor Vladimir Petkovic? When he finds an answer, Gilbert Gress immediately reminisces in “Blick Kick”: “I had Murat as a player and at the time I often said that he should have been our Swiss Franz Beckenbauer.” A defender with the necessary offensive drive.
That’s why Gress doesn’t see black when it comes to Swiss offensive football. During his time as a national team coach from 1998 to 1999, he counted on Yakin. The Alsatian says: “Now Murat is a coach himself and said that he didn’t want to change much. If he sees the potential to play offensively with players, he’ll do it. “
“In Strasbourg they were happy to win over France”
Gress says that Yakin just has to try to maintain the level of the former Petkovic team. “Maybe with a few other ideas he’ll get it a step higher. I wish that for him. Why can’t it even be a final? ” He cites Belgium as an example of successful development.
Speaking of big thinking: «We mustn’t have complexes. Switzerland won against France and stood up to Spain! ” And not only the Swiss themselves were happy, as Gress reveals.
Even in his homeland near the Swiss border they cheered: “In Strasbourg, the people were very happy about the victory against France!” How come Alsatians are for Switzerland and against France, “Blick Kick” presenter Rebecca Spring wants to know immediately. «The arrogance of the French has been on the nerves of the Strasbourgers. I was there and everyone congratulated me on Switzerland winning. ” (str)
Gilbert Gress reveals: “I always have my hairbrush with me”(21:19)