What does the future look like for Swiss football?

FIFA Coins was shortly before Christmas 2013 when the Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced that Vladimir Petkovic would take over from Ottmar Hitzfeld at the helm of the senior national team after the 2014 FIFA World Cup™. And with Switzerland having qualified for the last two World Cup final tournaments and even made the Round of 16 in Brazil, Petkovic certainly has big shoes to fill.
Petkovic, who has previously had spells in the dugout at AC Bellinzona, BSC Young Boys, Samsunspor and Lazio, among others, began his tenure as Switzerland head coach in September, at the start of the country’s UEFA EURO 2016 qualifying campaign. The 51-year-old former midfielder spoke to FIFA.com about his new role, the character in the team and their tough qualifying opponents.
FIFA 15 Coins Xbox 360: Now that you’re at the Switzerland helm, can you tell us what it’s been like to follow in the footsteps of Ottmar Hitzfeld, who stepped down after the World Cup?
Vladimir Petkovic: I’m proud to be here. It’s a great honour for me to succeed a manager as successful as Ottmar Hitzfeld. It’s brilliant for me to have the chance to help this young group of players take the next step forward.
What went through your mind when it was confirmed you would be the new Switzerland head coach? You do, after all, have a special connection to the country…
I never would have thought it possible a few years ago. It’s recognition that I’ve done some good work here in Switzerland. I’ve lived here since 1987, so I’ve spent more than half of my life in the country. I’ve had a Swiss passport for the last 12 years and I feel Swiss. To be named coach of the national team was a positive endorsement of the work I’ve done during that time.
The national team caught the eye at the World Cup, reaching the last 16 only to lose narrowly to eventual runners-up Argentina. Do you think this is the strongest Swiss side ever?
This team is a product of years of good work in the country’s youth development system. It’s a very young team, with a few players that have been playing for big clubs over the last few years. It’s still a team with potential, but one that must keep developing. It’s not just about playing attractive football and being talented, it’s also about being successful. That’s a problem at the moment as not all of the lads are regular starters at their clubs.
How would you describe the character of your team?
Considering the quality of our fitness and the talent we’ve got, I think we’re a passionate team too. The high level of organisation within the group also deserves a mention, but we’ve got to be sharper in both defence and attack. That was clear to see in our last game, when we made costly mistakes in defence and didn’t take some good chances in attack.
Speaking of your last game - a defeat to England in the opening match of EURO 2016 qualifying - what do you make of the section you’ve been drawn in?
I’ve said from the start that England are the clear favourites in the group. They also have a young team, though they’re relatively more experienced players who all play for big clubs. You could see how that individual quality made the difference against us. We’ve got to focus on finishing second in the group. On paper at least, perhaps we look better than other teams, but Slovenia, for example, have a lot of talented individuals - though fortunately they lost their first game. We’ve got to be well-prepared if we want to pick up three points against a strong Slovenian team, while Latvia and Estonia are both capable of springing a surprise at home. If we don’t fully apply ourselves in these games, then we’ll be in trouble. Even against San Marino, we’ve got to have the same mindset as against England, namely being fully focused and committed.
What’s your ideal concept for the brand of football of this Swiss team?
To be daring in attack and balanced in defence. I want us to have a preventative defence, even when we press high up the pitch, and I want us to be ready to play in both attack and defence at any time. We can only achieve this if we work together as a team.
The Swiss were U-17 world champions in 2009 and several of these players are now hitting their peak years: how important are they to your team?
They’re extremely important. I hope they become regular starters at their clubs this season, but that is a problem at the moment. Last season [Haris] Seferovic had that issue and this term [Josip] Drmic isn’t getting much game time, while I hope that [Xherdan] Shaqiri will play more often as well. I’ve already told the players that it’s really important for them to deliver good performances for their clubs. I want them to play as many minutes as possible and be ready to bring that form to the national team. When they report for international duty, they need to be in good physical and mental shape.
What does the future look like for Swiss football?
07 RS Gold is bright for this team, but also for Swiss football as a whole. A lot has been invested in development, coaching and the youth system. Given that it’s such a small country, it’s always possible for one generation of players to be more talented than another, but with the willingness to keep improving that’s being shown we can be positive about the future.