Yakin battles Embolo Rasenkritik, grass woes and Jashari at Nati
Inside the press conference in Skopje, Swiss national team boss Murat Yakin faced Viel discussion, juggling the Embolo Rasenkritik, a grass‑strand complaint and the possible debut of Ardon Jashari, while reminding reporters that the squad has an upcoming match tomorrow.
The press conference in Skopje centred on three issues: the Fall Breel Embolo, the grass strands that Murat Yakin brought onto the pitch, and the possible inclusion of Ardon Jashari. Yakin said the first questions concerned the day's headline, the Embolo case. He reminded the media that after Granit Xhaka, Embolo will also miss the national team.
The Swiss Football Association ruled Embolo out because on Friday it became public that the Basler had been convicted last year of incitement to document forgery. Adrian Arnold explained the federation only learned of the conviction on Wednesday, when Embolo informed the officials. Nach the announcement, the association moved to exclude him from the current squad.
Yakin clarified he had been involved in the discussions but did not make the decision to drop the striker from the current roster. He added that for the two November fixtures he still intends to call on Embolo, stating "I still count on him." The attacking options of Winsley Boteli, Cedric Itten and Zeki Amdouni, he said, give the Team sufficient depth.
Pitch concerns
During the briefing Yakin lifted several seven‑centimetre grass strands he had collected from the Tose Proeski stadium, complaining that the pitch was unsuitable for football. "I would be grateful if they are cut," he said, adding that the Team must perform regardless of the surface but it would not be easy. He warned that an early lead in such away games would calm the hostile crowd.
The Nations League clash between North Macedonia and Switzerland will be shown live on SRF two and the Sport App on Saturday. Yakin urged Nati fans to tune in and support the side.
Jashari thrust into spotlight
Ardon Jashari, the 24‑year‑old midfielder, has been part of the World Cups 2022 and 2026 and Euro 2024 squads but has only eleven caps, three of which were starts and just one lasting more than a half‑hour. With the Xhaka/Freuler partnership unavailable, Yakin said "Now it lies with Ardon" and highlighted Jashari's ability to dictate play from the centre. Jashari admitted the game in his parents' homeland is very emotional, but he refuses to feel pressure, insisting he does not need to prove anything to anyone.
The press conference underscored Viel debate within the Nati set‑up, from the Embolo Rasenkritik to the grass issue and Jashari’s unexpected promotion. As Yakin prepares his squad for the upcoming fixture, the decisions made this week will shape the Team’s identity and its chances in the Nations League.