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EXCLUSIVE: FC Zurich's Champions League Campaign Is Important For Swiss Football - Xavier Margairaz
The midfielder spoke exclusively to Goal.com...
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Nov 26, 2009 4:55:24 PM
Xavier Margairaz spoke exclusively to Goal.com about his side's Champions League campaign, and cannot wait to take part in the World Cup finals next summer.
Goal.com: Xavier, FC Zurich have made history by getting into the group stage of the Champions League for the first time. What does this campaign mean to you?
Xavier Margairaz: For us this is a step forward. It's very important that a Swiss team plays in the Champions League. We beat Milan and that was a beautiful moment in the club's history, but unfortunately we lost concentration afterwards. Relaxed? It could be that. After that victory we lost two away games and now we can't advance to the knockout stage.
Goal.com: How are you feeling after the defeat to Real Madrid?
Margairaz: The game against Real Madrid was very difficult. We defended well but we couldn't achieve anything more. We know that there is a world of difference between them and ourselves, as there is between the Swiss and the Spanish leagues.
Goal.com: Could your season be the starting point for something bigger for Swiss football?
Margairaz: Yes, of course. There is a new rule at UEFA with [Michel] Platini, and more chances for us to qualify for the Champions League. FC Zurich's campaign could be a starting point for the country, where the football is improving. The Under-17 side are world champions, the senior side has qualified for the World Cup. We are progressing little by little.
Goal.com: What are the team's expectations for the World Cup?
Margairaz: We aren't going just to take part. Firstly we have to see what teams we will be playing, but everything is possible. We must go game by game, thinking only about the next one, and try and do well in South Africa.
Goal.com: Let's talk about the coach. Ottmar Hitzfeld has worked well and it's clear that his arrival has helped Switzerland. How do you all see him?
Margairaz: We still don't know Hitzfeld well, but I have always heard good things about him. He has had a lot of success with every club that he has been at. For us, it's great to have a coach like him - he is helping Swiss football a lot.
Goal.com: How do you see the Spanish national team? They had an impact on your country by becoming Euro 2008 champions. Do you see them as candidates to win the World Cup?
Margairaz: Yes, I think so. They are the best team in the world now, they play phenomenal football and they have not lowered their level since winning Euro 2008. It's always a pleasure to watch the Spanish team's matches.
Juan Lirman, Goal.com
Goal.com: Xavier, FC Zurich have made history by getting into the group stage of the Champions League for the first time. What does this campaign mean to you?
Xavier Margairaz: For us this is a step forward. It's very important that a Swiss team plays in the Champions League. We beat Milan and that was a beautiful moment in the club's history, but unfortunately we lost concentration afterwards. Relaxed? It could be that. After that victory we lost two away games and now we can't advance to the knockout stage.
Goal.com: How are you feeling after the defeat to Real Madrid?
Margairaz: The game against Real Madrid was very difficult. We defended well but we couldn't achieve anything more. We know that there is a world of difference between them and ourselves, as there is between the Swiss and the Spanish leagues.
Goal.com: Could your season be the starting point for something bigger for Swiss football?
Margairaz: Yes, of course. There is a new rule at UEFA with [Michel] Platini, and more chances for us to qualify for the Champions League. FC Zurich's campaign could be a starting point for the country, where the football is improving. The Under-17 side are world champions, the senior side has qualified for the World Cup. We are progressing little by little.
Goal.com: What are the team's expectations for the World Cup?
Margairaz: We aren't going just to take part. Firstly we have to see what teams we will be playing, but everything is possible. We must go game by game, thinking only about the next one, and try and do well in South Africa.
Goal.com: Let's talk about the coach. Ottmar Hitzfeld has worked well and it's clear that his arrival has helped Switzerland. How do you all see him?
Margairaz: We still don't know Hitzfeld well, but I have always heard good things about him. He has had a lot of success with every club that he has been at. For us, it's great to have a coach like him - he is helping Swiss football a lot.
Goal.com: How do you see the Spanish national team? They had an impact on your country by becoming Euro 2008 champions. Do you see them as candidates to win the World Cup?
Margairaz: Yes, I think so. They are the best team in the world now, they play phenomenal football and they have not lowered their level since winning Euro 2008. It's always a pleasure to watch the Spanish team's matches.
Juan Lirman, Goal.com
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| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £100 in free bets! |
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| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
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| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
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