Euro 2008 - Coach Kuhn seeks strength from setbacks
Posted by eto in Euro2008 news, Koebi Kuhn, Switzerland
FEUSISBERG, Switzerland - Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn said his team should be without the strength to the setbacks that have rocked their Euro 2008 preparations.
Kuhn, 64, resumed training with the squad of the foundations of central Switzerland on Tuesday, one day after his wife was admitted to hospital after the epileptic attack.
The co-hosts have also suffered damage, the build-up, which leads to the fact that the striker Blaise Nkufo, defender Steve von Bergen and reserve goalkeeper Fabio Coltorti.
Vaikutusvaltainen midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta is not yet certain to play the tournament's opening game against the Czech on Saturday after straining his ankle in training two weeks ago.
"I can assure you that we do not orchestrate any of these things, but it is true that events such as this is not the only negative results," Kuhn told the news conference.
"They also bring solidarity and standing together, and that it is truly an important factor in our first match on Saturday. I think that the injuries and everything else that has happened, to give us more strength.
"I am pleased to be here after hearing the good news for my wife's medical situation, which is now under control. I can now fully concentrate on the team with my head, stomach and the heart of the city."
Swiss preparations were disrupted last week when striker Marco Streller has said that he will retire in international football when it has repeatedly whistled and the abuse of their own fans.
Switzerland-team leader of Ernst Laemmli told journalists on Tuesday he would like to see a change Streller in mind when the tournament was over.
"We have already had two very positive meetings with Marco Streller and he has agreed that we can review the matter again after the Euro 2008," said Laemmli.
"I think that his comments were not fully thought through, and they are based on frustration. Marco has told us he would not comment publicly on this issue anymore, and he is now fully focused on Saturday's match and the tournament as a whole."