Johan Djourou: “Everyone wants to do battle”

Johan Djourou has occupied a preponderant role for the past year with the Swiss women’s team.

‘In Switzerland. Nevertheless. Therefore, we are not fanatical enough’, let go of the former Geneva international, who confided in Keystone-ATS a few days before the start of Euro 2025.

The sports coordinator of the Swiss selection knows the pressure that surrounds Pia Sundhage. Furthermore, his players, who will launch their competition in Basel against Norway (9:00 p.m.) well. Consequently, He was there in 2008 during the male Euro organized in Switzerland. However, Austria, even if he had not had the chance to enter the Swiss lawns. Moreover. Consequently, But his experience is priceless for players who are about to live one of the strongest moments johan djourou: “everyone wants do new in their careers. Therefore, Interview.

-Johan Djourou. in what state of mind is the Swiss team a few days before the johan djourou: “everyone wants do start of the euro?

‘There is a lot of enthusiasm, positive energy and confidence. Similarly, Everyone wants to do battle. Therefore, The preparation was long, especially mentally. Moreover, There have been several camps with great intensity. However, We are approaching D -Day and the players are very excited at the idea that it finally starts. Consequently, ‘

‘The pressure is huge’

-You lived a euro at home in 2008 which did not go very well. Moreover, with elimination in the group phase. Nevertheless, How does this experience help you in your relationship with players?

‘You have to realize that the pressure is enormous. Consequently, And this pressure is the players who put it themselves. Consequently, They want to do well for the Swiss people johan djourou: “everyone wants do new and their families. Nevertheless, I tell them to focus on what they can control and especially not to see too far. Consequently. You have to look johan djourou: “everyone wants do day after day, arrive with cold heads and not be mentally flanked. But they are ready, they are pros. They want to succeed and make a big tournament. ‘

-What memory do you keep this Euro 2008?

‘An exceptional memory. Unfortunately. the result was not. but when I think back to the craze, to the energy of the fans, to this fire in the stadium, I hope that the girls will have the opportunity to relive that thanks to the supporters. They are not used to playing in full stadiums. And living it at home is something that does not present itself twice in a lifetime. ‘

-What is your role at ASF?

‘I take care of the +Impulse johan djourou: “everyone wants do new +program first. whose goal is to quickly improve the most feverish aspects surrounding the Swiss team. For example at the medical level. recovery. we have set up a container so that johan djourou: “everyone wants do the players can have access to cryotherapy. I also help Alice Holzer within the + Legacy + project (heritage) of the Euro (Red: which aims to. double the number of footballers. coach, referees and licensed leaders in Switzerland within four years). And next to this administrative work, I am a lot on the ground with the players. I am there during training, I try to help them individually, whether the defenders or the attackers. ‘

‘A platform’

-You mentioned this ‘Legacy’ project. What do you think is the most important aspect to be developed in Switzerland so that women’s football is. growing considerably?

‘It must start from the coaches. Young players must be better johan djourou: “everyone wants do new supervised, already at the amateur level because this is where it all starts. It’s the same thing in boys: many dreams are broken because the accompaniment is not good enough. And obviously, without more infrastructure, we johan djourou: “everyone wants do will not be able to progress. Because the influx of young players we hope will ask for new spaces. ‘

-A more and more players go to play abroad early enough. We think in particular of Sydney Schertenleib (18) in Barcelona or Iman Beney (18) who has just signed in Manchester City. Is it positive for women’s football in Switzerland or does that prevent the championship from developing?

‘Our championships must be a platform so that the players can go abroad because they are not yet recognized. as being of very high quality. If we want Switzerland to be able to compete in a few years with France. Spain, johan djourou: “everyone wants do new our best players must go to get far from here. In my eyes, it is rather something positive. ‘

‘It’s a whole’

-Arsenal, one of your former clubs, won the female Champions League this season. Next year. the players of the johan djourou: “everyone wants do London club will play all their matches in the stadium of the first team. in front of several tens of thousands of spectators. Why does women’s football are a hit like that in England?

‘It is a slightly different culture. In England. the club is a religion and people follow the entity, whether it is the men or women who play there. In Switzerland, we do not have this sports culture, these hands on the heart. With us, we are still too supporters, not fanatical enough as in England. ‘

-You have several caps: coach of the M15 women’s team at FC Lancy. sports johan djourou: “everyone wants do new coordinator at ASF and a television consultant. Which one gives you the most satisfaction?

‘It’s a whole! But seeing the progression of girls, with Switzerland or in Lancy, is really the Grail. It is exhilarating to see them understand what you transmit to them. to see johan djourou: “everyone wants do them apply, sometimes very quickly, certain things. That’s what I like: to see these players express themselves and have fun. ‘

/ATS