On December 13, YB reached out regarding the head coach position, surprising the candidate who had sensed interest but thought another coach was likely. Drawing from experiences with the Swiss national team, the candidate emphasized the importance of joy in coaching and effective leadership. They discussed collaboration with fellow coaches, strategic decisions made during the European Championship, and their vision for YB’s future, aiming for a top-six finish while aspiring for a successful and dynamic playing style.
After weeks of whispers and speculation, how did you feel when YB reached out to you regarding the head coach position on December 13?
I had received some hints from my circle prior to that call, suggesting that YB was interested in my situation. It wasn’t a complete shock, but I was surprised because I had the impression that they might already have a coach lined up.
Be honest: Were you eagerly anticipating that call?
In the past, opportunities with YB didn’t pan out for various reasons. I was either committed elsewhere, or they opted for someone else. The YB train had passed by me several times. Now, it has finally stopped, and I’m thrilled to have jumped on board.
Gaining Experience with the National Team
Christoph Spycher, YB’s top sports official, mentioned that your experience as an assistant during the European Championship helped refine your coaching profile. What insights did you gain from your time with the Swiss national team that align with YB’s expectations?
I learned to appreciate the joy of our work amidst the chaos. Engaging with Switzerland’s elite players, facing international competition, and performing on a grand stage naturally enhanced my profile. Interestingly, I didn’t change my coaching style; I continued doing what has always worked for me. This experience confirmed that my leadership approach is effective even at the highest levels of Swiss football. Until now, my résumé reflected roles like “Promotion Coach” and “Non-Relegation Coach,” but now I have international experience to showcase.
Building a Successful Team Dynamic
Your role at the European Championship seemed to transcend that of a typical assistant. How did you contribute beyond being Murat Yakin’s co-coach?
From the start, I wasn’t just an ordinary assistant. Murat and I have known each other for a long time, and he allowed me the freedom to be myself. He recognized the value I brought by not holding me back. We agreed that I would interact with the players and engage with the media, which proved to be effective.
Was the decision to use Michel Aebischer as a left winger during the tournament your idea?
No, it was a collaborative decision made over time within our coaching staff.
Can you elaborate on how that decision came about?
We prioritized regular appearances at the club level as a key criterion. We had three midfielders—Granit Xhaka, Remo Freuler, and Michel Aebischer—competing for two spots. After days of discussions, we realized we needed an outside runner on the left. Ultimately, we decided to position Aebischer there to keep Dan Ndoye in the offense, leading to our asymmetrical setup against Hungary, which turned out to be successful.
Recently, Granit Xhaka expressed high praise for you…
Yes, that was unsolicited.
It seems that you may have had more influence on the players than coach Yakin did.
That’s an exaggeration. We worked well as a cohesive team, each contributing our unique strengths. I focused more on communication with the players while Murat showcased his tactical expertise. This synergy was key to our success.
Your significance was such that your former position in the national team will now be filled by two new assistants.
What can I say? Should I have asked for the salary of two positions? In all seriousness, sharing responsibilities is always a sensible approach.
How did you perceive the team’s struggles last autumn? Xhaka mentioned a lack of professionalism and hunger among some players.
It didn’t seem to me that the players lacked desire; rather, they faced limitations. During autumn, club commitments take precedence, and many players were fatigued. We don’t have an abundance of players like Manuel Akanji to rotate and rest. Larger countries can rely on a deeper talent pool without compromising quality, as we saw against Spain.
However, there are concerns about stagnation, like the failed loan of Noah Okafor from AC Milan to RB Leipzig.
Regardless of Okafor’s situation, players transferring abroad must be prepared to face challenges. They can’t shy away at the first sign of difficulty, such as being benched. They need to fight for their spot, just like Xhaka, Freuler, Schär, Akanji, Embolo, Aebischer, and others who have been mainstays for years. I believe younger talents like Dan Ndoye, Ruben Vargas, Zeki Amdouni, and Aurèle Amenda are on the right path.
Looking Ahead with YB
What do you envision for YB this season if you aim for a successful outcome by the end of May?
With an eight-point gap from the top, it would be unrealistic to speak of a title chase at this point. Our immediate goal is to secure a spot in the top six for the final third of the championship, after which we can reassess our ambitions.
While that’s realistic, YB’s aspirations and the public’s expectations are for titles and an attractive style of play. Is your realism a form of self-protection?
No, I didn’t come here to settle for seventh place. YB has a legacy of success, dynamism, and intensity. I am aligned with the management in our goal to compete at the highest level.
Is that enough? A few months ago, coach Raphael Wicky was let go despite YB leading the table, with reports citing issues with “playing style and development.”
What appears on the surface may not reflect internal discussions. The reasons for setbacks are often different from what is reported. My focus is on maximizing the opportunities YB provides on the field. Over the years, I’ve developed a strong resilience to external perceptions and media scrutiny.
You’ve shown a knack for pragmatic underdog football. How will you approach play with YB?
Let me clarify: I’ve always encouraged my teams to seek solutions with the ball—dynamically, offensively, and forward-thinking. There may have been challenges, but I believe in fostering a proactive style of play.