I did not know that they were related?!? I have mixed feelings here, I do not like to see players that the Swiss FA has groomed and trained and spent lots of money on go to other federations. But on the same token, I would not want someone who really did not want to play for Switzerland to be on the pitch for them. It is sort of funny that his last names means "I am sorry" in French. Sounds like what he is doing to the Swiss.
I don't mind one picking a country over another from the beginning, but I don't like players switching NT's... If I would be a football player, I could chose among 3 countries as well. But once I would have played in youth level for one of them, I wouldn't change on senior level to one of the others... For me, switching NT's is a bit like moving from Barça to Real or so... I wish the age limit for switching NT's will be lowered one day from 21 to 18... If one wants to be considered an adult at 18, they should be able to decide at that point which country they want to play for. and it should also be valid for friendlies, not only for competition matches.
They are not. Desole's stepmom is the Venezuelan woman who mothered the Feltschers. There is another young footballer in the mix as well, can't remember who though. Will try to find the Blick article. Not really shedding tears over Desole, the guy made the same mistake as dozens of swiss talents in leaving to early. History has shown us that only 5-10% of these guys become NT-worthy.
Especially since in 2010 he was set on Turkey: http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2010/April/ThroughtheRanksFrei.aspx
I was thing of Mattia Desole, Davide's younger brother I was thinking of. http://www.blick.ch/sport/fussball/superleague/die-feltscher-brothers-82287 Definitely, ridiculous rule.
I was about to post the same - but was beaten to it. Seems that Jol is finally coming round to my way of thinking (see 'Swiss Abroad' thread) and perhaps he'll actually start a game with the Swiss trio. I know I waffle about the past a lot - but the future is the 'Young Ones' (apologies to Cliff Richard) Obviously
Great news! Frei apparently decided to play for Switzerland two weeks a go. Anyone knows how a turk/moroccan got Frei for a surname?
maybe a Swiss grandfather?? really don't no, maybe our GC supporter knows Hitzfeld should bring him on the left wing if Barnetta is still injured... The left wing is not where Xhaka should play. Xhaka could rather partner Inler in defensive midfield instead of Schwegler, Dzemaili, Gelson... Inler is often playing better with a more attacking partner next to him in central midfield. Abdi also could be a solution for the second DM spot. Or Lustenberger, but then again he might not be the ideal partner for Inler.
No idea, but the Frei tradition continues at the Nati! [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9I5TupCHvk"]Kerim Frei - YouTube[/ame] We really need more players who look for that 1:1 situation.
I like how Senderos is looking after Frei and Kasami at Fulham - Senderos should become captain one day
The way I perceive things is that Switzerland are on the verge of transforming themselves from an essentially 'defensive' team into an attacking one. If Hitzfeld/the next manager can adopt a policy of going for flair rather than 'keep it tight' I think we might all be happy.
I don't expect this change coming from Hitzfeld, but it would be necessary playing in a bit more attacking style in the World Cup qualifiers not to lose unnecessary points again
I've always regarded Barnetta more as a right-winger (though he pops up on either wing) Frei left and Barnetta right for me. Shaqiri should have some sort of attacking 'free role' and pop up where he feels like - preferably getting fouled inside/just outside the box with inevitable consequences for the opposition. From what I've seen of Lustenberger: He should play in front of the back four. But he looks good wherever he plays Seriously, it's his ideal position. I'd go 4-1-3-1-1 which given the attacking talent available is more offensive than it looks.
Barnetta not ready yet and Stocker injured again - maybe the chance for Frei... but hopefully Barnetta and Stocker get fit again, soon
I agree that both need to get healthy, having them and Frei plus all of the other young talent, it is easy to see why there is optimism.
http://www.goal.com/en-gb/match/77107/switzerland-vs-argentina/preview http://www.espnstar.com/football/news/detail/item761340/Friendly:-Switzerland-vs-Argentina-Preview/ Most people are saying that CH does not really have a chance.