Xhaka: Hot weather is not the excuse, we must go all out in opening match

Switzerland will play Qatar in the first round of Group B of the FIFA World Cup. At the pre-match press conference, Switzerland captain Xhaka said that the entire team is ready to strive for a winning start in this FIFA World Cup.

You trained in San Diego for over 10 days, where the temperature was not above 21 to 22 degrees Celsius. Now you are here, and the temperature is expected to be close to 30 degrees Celsius tomorrow at noon. How do you transition from one environment to another? Will this affect the team? (Question from a journalist from the "Geneva Tribune")

Xhaka: It will be a bit hot, but that's no excuse. We have sufficient hydration breaks, and cooling measures like ice vests. We are well-prepared physically and mentally, so other uncontrollable factors are not important. What we can control is our performance on the field, and we need to continue the form from the previous qualifiers.

Xhaka, the last time I saw you lose your temper was after the match against Australia, when you criticized some internal issues within the team. That moment didn't seem appropriate for openly expressing those emotions. How did the team react to your comments? How was the week after that? (Question from Swiss Television, German Channel)

Xhaka: I wasn't angry. I'm a player who wants to win when I'm on the field. If the performance isn't good enough or the result isn't ideal, I'll express my opinion. This has nothing to do with preparation or training. I was just unhappy with the performance and result against Australia. Many other statements were just speculation from outside.

Journalist followed up: Was this discussed within the team later?

Xhaka: There was internal communication, but no one questioned me asking "Why did you say that?". We are a collective, not targeting individuals. I always reflect on myself first. I never blame others before looking at myself. I was unhappy with both my performance and the team's. But the good thing about football is that a week later, you can get better and win games. We hope to play a better game and win tomorrow.

As I said before, this was a "wake-up call." Sometimes I have to remind myself first, and then my teammates. I was not satisfied with the result, but there were some positive aspects in the process of the game. I am someone who just wants to win, whether it's a friendly or an official match. We are here to win and perform for the fans. I believe tomorrow we will show a different side of the Swiss team and fight for three points.

Tomorrow is an important start for the Swiss team in this tournament, and many players may be participating in the FIFA World Cup for the first time. As captain, what message do you have for the team?

Xhaka: Football is not just about tactics and physical fitness, it's more about enjoying the moment. We need to relax and enjoy the game. This might be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We need to perform well for Switzerland, for our families, and for ourselves, and take the first step. It's easy to say "the best FIFA World Cup," but we are ready mentally and physically to achieve it.

What is the team's current state and hunger like?

Xhaka: The atmosphere is very positive, and we are more eager to play than ever. Can't wait for tomorrow to start. We are ready.

What have you learned from the team's previous FIFA World Cup experiences?

Xhaka: We have learned from past FIFA World Cups and European Championships, and now the team is more mature and has more depth. Many players have participated in major tournaments. We are well-prepared, and our overall condition is good.

How do cooling breaks affect you?

Xhaka: It can be good or bad. It breaks the rhythm, but it's necessary when the weather is hot. We've also discussed how to deal with it in training.

Does the group stage result mean you are already in control?

Xhaka: We must win our own games first and not look at others. We know the results, but the focus is on ourselves.

You are about to make your 13th FIFA World Cup appearance. How do you feel?

Xhaka: Very proud, it's not something to be taken for granted. I started in 2011 and I'm still captain now. As for competition among teammates, that's the coach's decision. Ricki is an excellent player and very important to the team, and I'm happy to share this record with him.

How do you think the team can better line up against Qatar?

Xhaka (smiles): If only I were the coach. But I'm just a player, I don't think about these things. We have clear communication, and the goal is to win. The system isn't important, the result is what matters most. We have analyzed the Qatar team and know their strengths and weaknesses. But the key is for us to be prepared. Every team deserves respect, but our goal is to win.

Do you have to give your all in the first group stage match?

Xhaka: Yes, the first match is very important. We want to start well, maintain good form, and drive the momentum for the entire tournament. Every player is important, whether starting or on the bench, everyone must stay committed.

How do you look back on your first FIFA World Cup experience?

Xhaka: That was too long ago (laughs). But the preparation should be similar: confidence, relaxation, because I believe the team is ready.

What do you think about the 3-4 match against Germany?

Xhaka: Wirtz's performance in that game was surprising. Although we lost, the game also showed that we can compete with strong teams like Germany. The key is to push our limits. The Swiss team's style has always been to play as a unit, not relying on star players. When the team works well, we can defeat any opponent.