For a little over a year now, the Swiss team has been led by Pia Sundhagus. The 65 -year -old Swedish technician approaches the greatest challenge of her career with the conviction that Switzerland will surprise. RTSSPORT went to meet him to take stock before the Euro.
“I have trained a lot of different players, the best world teams“Explained Sundhage.”Welcoming the European Championship and meeting expectations is very exciting. This is my biggest challenge. I think we are going to surprise people.“
The results do not necessarily speak in its favor, especially those of the mediocre campaign of the League of Nations this spring. Despite some lightning, the path to the euro turned out to be tortuous. Not enough to darken the mood of the selector, nor her faith in this collective where the enthusiasm of a promising new generation rubs shoulders with the experience of some routiners in an excellent atmosphere. “”It is the team that will make the difference. I don’t think there will be a player who will change everything. The work of the team is the most important thing.“
Sundhage also mentioned the endless meaningful comparisons of meaning with football practiced by men. “”Why compare? I am not a big fan of generalizations. This is for men, it is for women. This is the wrong way to follow for development. For the moment, we have gone a long way. When I tell us, it’s women’s football. But this is only the beginning of a fantastic trip. It will take off because we have shown that we had our place.“
It will take time, of course, because “It takes to change mentalities“. But the euro in Switzerland could act as a real accelerator. Especially if the results are there. And Pia Sundhage is determined to succeed with his team during the tournament.
Text: Ludovic Perruchoud / Video: Julie Lachenal
