Rafel Navarro is the new national team coach. He is 39 years old and a father of three. For the past six years, he has been assistant coach of FC Barcelona Femeni.
04.11.2025, 19:53
04.11.2025, 19:54
SDA
Rafel Navarro, you have never been head coach of a women's team before. Why are you moving to Switzerland?
There are two reasons. Firstly, I want to be a head coach. I know that I'm ready for the job and that I have the necessary knowledge and experience. The second reason is the team. I like the players and have watched many of their games over the past few years. There are very good, young talents in the team and I'm ready to develop these players further.
You should also develop the youngsters. What will this work look like?
I have a lot of experience and want to bring my playing philosophy to the U-teams. The youngsters are our future. If all the teams get better, it will ultimately help us all.
You mention your playing philosophy. How would you describe it?
Basically, I have an offensive, aggressive mindset. I want to have a team that keeps the ball. High pressing, short passes. I know I'm no longer at Barcelona, I have other players here. But I want to adopt some things from Barcelona. It's also very important to be close to the players and to follow them in their leagues. Because we usually only have one week in which we train together. That's why I also want to be in contact with the players' coaches to understand what they need. That way we can develop them together.
You have now described your playing philosophy. How would you describe yourself?
I am very passionate. During training sessions and matches, I can get a bit nervous and intense. I always have to calm myself down. I will work and invest a lot. Because I want to be sure that - if the results aren't right, and that can happen - it's not because I haven't invested enough.
The path to the 2027 World Cup in Brazil is a difficult one due to relegation from Nations League A. How do you intend to overcome this hurdle?
Yes, it will be difficult. But our first goal is to finish the group in first place, then we'll see what happens. But it's also clear that we want to be at the next World Cup. I think this team deserves it. I hope we can achieve it.
