Ryser reveals formula for Swiss success

Among the qualifiers for the UEFA European Under-17 Championship finals in Germany this May are all the traditional forces at this level, a list that features not just the likes of Spain, France and England, but also Switzerland. Inaugural winners of the re-categorised U17 title in 2002, Switzerland are about to appear in their fourth finals in eight competitions, a tally topped by only four countries. As his team prepare to take on France, Italy and holders Spain in Group A from Wednesday, coach Dany Ryser explains why Switzerland have a proud record and highlights some of their emerging stars.

uefa.com: What was the decisive factor in your qualification?

Dany Ryser: We played with a great deal of passion, belief and determination, which ultimately led to us deservedly qualifying.

uefa.com: Since winning the title in 2002, Switzerland have been regular qualifiers. Why is that?

Ryser: The standard of coaching at clubs here is at a high level. The youngsters are at an age when they can concentrate on the sport. There is the additional fact that our efforts in training talented young players are slowly but surely paying off – for example, two of our players came from the [Swiss Football Association] SFV-ASF Training Centres. Nassim Ben Khalifa moved to Grasshopper-Club from the SFV-ASF Training Centre in Payerne and Haris Seferovic moved from the SFV Training Centre in Emmen to Grasshoppers. Our endeavours have had an effect in the UEFA rankings too. The Swiss Under-17 squad ranks sixth in Europe.

uefa.com: Who are your key players?

Ryser: Our captain Frédéric Veseli from Manchester City FC is a very important player for us. He is a strong defender with the unyielding will to improve on a daily basis. In the midfield, we have Kofi Nimeley from FC Basel 1893 as a leader, but he is not yet back to 100 per cent fitness following his cruciate ligament tear. Up front there is Ben Khalifa, who was involved at the Under-17 Championship in Turkey in 2008, and Haris Seferovic, who are two strong and dangerous strikers.

uefa.com: Is it possible to compare the Swiss sides that have qualified for the past U17 finals?

Ryser: The group from 2002 was quite exceptional. Within that group we had players such as Tranquillo Barnetta, Philippe Senderos and Reto Ziegler. In 2005 and 2008, we had some very good individual players. Our problem is always the same. If we lose a player through injury or suspension, it affects us a lot more than when nations such as Spain, England or Italy lose a player, because we lack the depth in our squad.

uefa.com: What are your chances in Germany?

Ryser: Qualification in itself is a wonderful accolade and a just reward for the youth work at the SFV-ASF and the clubs. All we want is to perform as well as we possibly can and see where that takes us. At the European Championship finals, in my personal opinion, there won't be just one or two teams towering over the rest. I'm expecting a rather evenly matched standard and it will only be minor issues that decide the games in the end.