When Granit Xhaka leads Switzerland against Wales, he will automatically make sure that he puts his right foot on the grass first. And the Nati-Captain is not alone with this tic.
For some colleagues, the ritual with the right foot begins in the cabin. Remo Freuler, for example, always puts the right shoe on first.
The tick with the tape
Nico Elevedi does the same, with the defender first fastening both ankles with a bandage – of course the right ankle comes first.
The tick with the tape not only supports the tendons and ligaments, the bandage also gives the 24-year-old from Zurich a sense of security in his head. The wrap below the calf has apparently been working like a miracle cure for a small eternity.
Within six years, the Gladbach player has risen to become the most expensive national team player on the transfer market with an estimated transfer fee of around 30 million euros.
The tic with the jersey and the goal
On the other hand, Gladbach goalie Yann Sommer has lost market value. That is probably less due to performance than to age. At 32 he likes to look back.
Whenever he holds his jersey in his hand, images of his career flow through his head. “I will then see all the stations and what it took to be where I am now.”
Herrliberg, Concordia, FCB, Vaduz, GC, again FCB and then Gladbach. A particular quirk has always accompanied him on this path. “Before kick-off, I first touch the two goal posts and then the crossbar,” says Sommer, smiling at his quirk.
The rituals from religion
The superstition is also very much reflected in religious rituals. Like Mario Gavranovic, who crosses himself. “I pray for two minutes for everyone on the square and I hope that nobody gets injured.”
Xherdan Shaqiri also sends a greeting to God. According to Islamic custom, he opens his arms and remains in this position for a few seconds, before putting his hands on his face.
Admir Mehmedi also has his quirk. If the Wolfsburg wing scores a goal, they keep the underpants for the next game. However, he makes sure that it is washed anyway.