After three years under Marco Bayer, the Swiss U20 national team will be coached by Marcel Jenni for the first time at a World Cup. The long-time Kloten and Lugano player, who also played in Sweden for several years, played almost 200 games for the Swiss national team. Since 2020 he has coached the Swiss U18 national team, which he most recently led to the quarter-finals at the home World Cup.
SRF Sport: What are your goals before the start of the World Cup in Gothenburg?
Marcel Jenni: It is difficult to set a goal before the tournament starts. It is important for us that we reach our maximum and play with a lot of heart and passion. We’ll see where this takes us.
It will be difficult to score points against the USA. However, a win is needed against newly promoted Norway. Agreed?
There is no such thing as a free win. The USA are the big favorites, they have an incredible team with four extremely well-manned lines. The same applies to the Czechs and Slovaks this year. The physical and fast Norwegians are also tough. They have top players in their ranks who play in higher Swedish leagues. It won’t be a sure-fire success, but we’re really looking forward to this challenge.
Where do you see your team’s strengths and weaknesses?
We have a relatively young and rather light team. They lack a bit of breadth and experience. But they have a lot of speed and there are many good players with great talent. One of their strengths is team cohesion: it is a close-knit unit. I really enjoy her. That’s why I hope that the boys can use what they have in them.
Lian Bichsel decided not to take part in the World Cup despite being cleared. Can you understand the decision?
I don’t want to comment on that. I’m interested in the players who are there.
For this you can rely on two players, Leon Muggli (Zug) and Daniil Ustinkov (ZSC Lions), who have already played in the National League. What do you expect from these two?
They both have great potential, work incredibly well and are on the right track. With Leon you can tell that he has a little more ice time with his club. But I don’t expect them to have to give up, there are other players.
The November test matches were worth their weight in gold.
At the five-nation tournament in November, they suffered three defeats in four games. How do you rate these achievements?
We were quite overwhelmed in terms of speed. Since then we have made giant steps forward. The players against incredible gas. I am extremely satisfied.
What insights did you gain from this tournament for your World Cup preparation?
These experiences are worth their weight in gold. Of course, you noticed that there was still a lot missing. It’s important that we can play at such a level and see what’s going on. Then you can close the gap.
This is your first tournament as a U20 coach. Is the tension greater than it already is?
I’m super relaxed, but full of energy and joy. The tingling is there a bit, but I don’t feel any huge pressure. Everything cool.
International hockey is completely different to what we are used to in Switzerland
Does it make your job easier that you have already worked with a national team at U18 level?
This is a huge advantage. International ice hockey is completely different to what we are used to in Switzerland. Of course I know all the players who come up from below. I know what it takes, where we stand and how to prepare for a tournament like this. I also have a super staff around me.
The U20 World Cup will take place in Gothenburg this year. What is the situation on site?
We are super happy. We have a very good hotel with a floor for us and a meeting room. The hall is great, we have enough space. Everything is well organized and there is enough to eat too.
They played for Färjestad BK for several years. Is it special for you to return to Sweden?
In any case. I was here for 6 years, I know a lot of people and the Swedish culture. It’s a bit like a homecoming.
Interview: Michael Gasser / Editing: boe