Swiss Coach Comments On Manuel Akanji's Penalty Execution

Manuel Akanji (Instagram @manuelobafemiakanji)

JAKARTA - The Swiss national team appeared quite impressive at the Euro 2024 event. Unfortunately, their steps had to be stopped when they fell against England.

Switzerland lost 3-5 on penalties after holding England 1-1 for 120 minutes. Akanji, who was asked to be the first kicker, became the only player to fail to score.

"Manu (Willaji) who says he wants to be the first kicker. You give players responsibility and you can't be angry with players like that," said Yakin as reported by AFP, quoted from ANTARA on Sunday, July 7.

Even though Murat Yakin was not angry with the failure, the coach saw that the 28-year-old Manchester City defender was devastated and very disappointed.

"There aren't many words to transvest. I thank Akanji for his performance, and the way he led the team was at the highest level," said Yakin.

"There are no words of comfort that can help him, what exists is deep sadness. Everyone needs to overcome it, but we can be proud of ourselves," said the former coach of Spartak Moscow and FC Basel.

Murat Yakin also entertained his troops that they had played well during the 2024 European Cup. Losing on penalties is just a bad luck factor.

Switzerland advanced to the quarter-finals after beating Italy 2-0 in the round of 16. In the group stage, Switzerland managed to hold Germany 1-1, drew 1-1 over Scotland and won 3-1 over Hungary.

"We had a chance, but the penalty depends on luck," he said. "We put a lot of trouble in big teams so we can't give up. You have the winners and losers, and unfortunately today we weren't the winners."