Was it the start of something big or the end of an era? Some of the changes in the national team were heralded at the European Championships, but success still depends on the "old guard".
Some, like Manuel Akanji, did not want to look ahead immediately after the European Championship exit in Germany. Others, like Granit Xhaka, were already formulating their next goals. "We want to be back in two years' time," said the captain with a view to the 2026 World Cup in Canada, the USA and Mexico. After the increase to 54 teams, 16 of them from Europe will take part, with qualifying starting next year.
It would be Xhaka's seventh major tournament with the national team since the 2014 World Cup, and several players have been part of the core of the team for a long time now. In the quarter-final against England, the 31-year-old captain was joined by Yann Sommer (35), Fabian Schär, Remo Freuler, Xherdan Shaqiri, Steven Zuber (all 32), Ricardo Rodriguez and Silvan Widmer (both 31), eight players who have passed the age of 30.
These players have proven that great performances are also possible beyond this age limit - they also play an important role in their clubs. At the same time, however, it is also clear that time does not stand still. The Swiss starting eleven was already one of the oldest at the European Championships. What will happen in the coming months?
Sommer is under pressure
There is likely to be a change at goalkeeper sooner rather than later. Yann Sommer is not only the oldie in the team, he also feels the strong competition breathing down his neck. Gregor Kobel, who was voted the best goalkeeper in the Bundesliga for the second time in a row last season by his professional colleagues and the players' union VDV, is waiting in the wings to succeed him. After years in Sommer's shadow, the 26-year-old also wants to become the number one in the national team.
In the run-up to the European Championships, coach Murat Yakin quickly ended a potential goalkeeper debate by committing himself to Sommer in the winter. Should the Inter goalkeeper decide to continue his national team career, the discussion could flare up again. Sommer, who played his 94th international match against England, is more likely to step down than accept a demotion to number two.
Shaqiri with a new role
The future of Xherdan Shaqiri is also in doubt. Although he also caught the eye with brilliant moments at this European Championship, his role has become much smaller overall. 60 minutes against Scotland, 11 minutes against England was the magic foot's meagre tally. Although "Shaq" proved his maturity by seemingly accepting his new role without complaint, the question remains as to whether he will only see himself as a precious joker in the future.
It also remains to be seen what will happen to Shaqiri at club level. The fact that he left the USA earlier than planned was viewed critically by his club Chicago Fire. When he arrived in Switzerland, Shaqiri immediately complained about "bad decisions" made by the club's sporting management. The signs are clearly pointing to his departure. The question is what challenge the Basel player will look for next.
The same applies to Ricardo Rodriguez, who is currently without a contract. He impressively underlined his qualities at the European Championships, meaning that the long-serving Torino player could sign another contract in one of Europe's top five leagues. However, should he succumb to an offer worth millions from Saudi Arabia, where they play at a much lower level, he could, like Haris Seferovic, slowly disappear from the radar of those responsible.
Talented players, but no designated successors
These are examples that show: Change may not be just around the corner, but it is at least beckoning from the other side of the street. From the perspective of the Swiss Football Association, the aim must be to make this as gentle as possible. They are on the right track, says national team director Pierluigi Tami. "Murat Yakin has already succeeded in integrating some young players into the team."
Yakin already had several options at this European Championship, particularly in midfield and attack. Alongside 25-year-old Ruben Vargas, Dan Ndoye (23) and Fabian Rieder (22) have already played important roles. Behind them, players such as Ardon Jashari (21), Zeki Amdouni (23) and Noah Okafor (24) are waiting for their chance to make a name for themselves in the future.
The situation in defense is more precarious. Cédric Zesiger (26) has not yet been able to get beyond the reserve role in the national team and Leonidas Stergiou (22) is facing a season of confirmation after a few intense weeks. But Tami does not fear any shortages in this position either. He points to the preparation camp in St. Gallen, where talented defenders Becir Omeragic (22), Bryan Okoh (21) and Aurèle Amenda (20) were able to show themselves. None of them have been able to impose themselves on the team yet, but their time could come soon.
SDA