In the Swiss national team, the central question ahead of the clash with Sweden concerns the line-up in defensive midfield. National coach Murat Yakin talks about his options.
14.11.2025, 19:23
14.11.2025, 19:26
SDA
Remo Freuler is out with a broken collarbone, while Denis Zakaria, Vincent Sierro and Ardon Jashari are three other players missing for the position in front of the defense. Such an accumulation would cause many teams to falter - but Murat Yakin won't break a sweat thanks to the breadth of the Swiss midfield.
At the media conference on Friday evening, the 51-year-old confirmed that he has various candidates at his disposal. "I have several options with Djibril Sow, Simon Sohm, Michel Aebischer and even Johan Manzambi," said the Basel man. He left it open as to which player will ultimately line up alongside captain Granit Xhaka: "I tried out a few things this week and got some good tips. But I won't give anything away."
Lining up the 20-year-old Manzambi as a six-man would mean sacrificing one of the few attacking jokers who can provide additional impetus to the Swiss attack. Like Sohm, he has only made one appearance in the starting eleven. Sohm last played for around an hour as a ten-man in the 3-2 draw against Spain in Tenerife a year ago.
Sow is another option, although he was not entirely convincing against the Slovenian defense in the 0-0 draw in Ljubljana in October. On that occasion he replaced Fabian Rieder, who is expected to resume his role behind Breel Embolo against Sweden.
Michel Aebischer therefore seems the most obvious choice. The Pisa midfielder emphasized on Wednesday that he is "first and foremost a defensive midfielder", even though he has already been deployed in more offensive positions in the national team.
Regardless of the choice of partner alongside Xhaka, the goal is clear. "We have big plans," said Yakin. At the same time, the national team coach knows that qualification can only be achieved with some help on Saturday.
The possible line-ups
Switzerland - Sweden
Saturday, 20.45 hrs. - Geneva. - SR Lambrechts (BEL).
Switzerland: Kobel; Widmer, Elvedi, Akanji, Rodriguez; Aebischer, Xhaka; Vargas, Rieder, Ndoye; Embolo.
Sweden: Johansson; Lagerbielke, Hien, Lindelöf, Gudmundsson; Elanga, Ayari, Svensson, Sema; Isak, Bardghji.
Remarks: Switzerland without Freuler and others. Sweden without Gyökeres and Bergvall (both injured).
