After the last group game, national team director Pierluigi Tami is delighted with the harmony within the team. He analyzes the performance and looks ahead to the round of 16.
25.06.2024, 05:00
25.06.2024, 09:09
SDA
Following the 1:1 draw against European Championship hosts Germany, Tami addressed a few words to the players and staff. In it, he noted how proud he was of the team's development. On Monday, he explained how he had experienced the last few weeks.
Tami on the performance against Germany:
"Despite the goal we conceded in the last minute, I didn't sense any regret among us, only joy at the good performance. Even more important to me than the result was the way we performed against Germany. The team showed character in difficult moments and the players presented themselves as a cohesive unit. At the same time, we played very courageously going forward and built up a strong pressing game."
... on the group stage:
"The fact that we achieved our first goal is the result of very good preparation. As soon as we arrived in Stuttgart, I sensed how important the two weeks in St. Gallen had been. We met there on May 27 and have now been together for almost a month, and I sensed a great deal of energy in the staff and the team right from the start. We worked with great intensity and quality. I haven't felt such harmony for a long time. So for me it's no coincidence that we're unbeaten after three games."
... on the development:
"After qualifying, we analyzed exactly where we made which mistakes and where we need to make which corrections. A lot has happened since then, it would be wrong to emphasize one particular change. But now we can see the result of the hard work of the last six months."
... on coach Murat Yakin:
"Let's look at the game against Germany: tactically, almost everything fitted. Germany had more possession, but couldn't create many chances. We had a clear plan, which has been developed and refined since the first training camp this year. That's also thanks to Murat Yakin."
... on the open contract situation:
"We said in the spring that we wanted to concentrate fully on this tournament and only start contract negotiations afterwards. I have always said: My plan A is and remains Murat Yakin. After the tournament, we will sit down together again and see if both sides agree."
... on the influence of Giorgio Contini:
"He has played a big part in the overall good development of the team. As a coach of many years' standing, he brings a lot of experience with him, which helps not least with the precise analysis of the opponent. The relationship with Murat is very good, Giorgio has a lot of freedom, but knows his role very well."
... on the supplementary players:
"With the decision to make full use of the squad contingent of 26 players, it was clear that there would be players who wouldn't get to play. It's important to make it clear to them that they still play an important role in the team. They have to support their teammates and always be ready. Admir Mehmedi, for example, didn't get the playing time he had hoped for at the last European Championship. I told him that sometimes it only takes one shot to make history. And then came the penalty shoot-out against France, in which he was the fifth player to score. Now it's Noah Okafor, who is certainly not entirely happy. But the coach has clearly told him what role he has in mind for him. Everyone has to accept that and at the same time can try to impose themselves by performing well in training. The supplementary players, who have behaved in a very team-oriented manner so far, also understand this."
... on the leaders Akanji and Xhaka:
"Manuel (Akanji) is a machine. As requested by the coach, he has taken on more responsibility and his teammates are also benefiting from this. For example, there was a long discussion about why Fabian Schär doesn't perform as well in the national team as he does at club level. Now he is playing at a consistently high level. The same applies to Ricardo Rodriguez, who plays very convincingly in defense. Granit (Xhaka) is also benefiting from the fact that the entire responsibility no longer rests on his shoulders. He leads the way as usual and has a very positive effect on the team with his body language."
... on the upcoming round of 16:
"The game against Germany gave us even more confidence. We've set out on a common path, I can feel a lot of energy, we're ready. I'm convinced that we'll put in a very good performance in the round of 16. If you want to beat us, you have to deliver a great game."
