An interview with Alexander Frei: “Knocked out in a Swiss way!”

French-speaking 20min.ch has interviewed our unfortunate top-striker, Alexander Frei.

Alex, how do you feel following the operation?
A: I’m quite tired but I’m fine. I left the hospital on Saturday.

It is said that you’ll be back in 10 weeks time. It’s not much compared to your 6-month long recovery. Does this make you feel better?
A: It is true that this time the break is shorter, but the recovery is painful and it always lasts the same amount of time, it doesn’t matter what injury it is. It is exasperating.

Why was Switzerland knocked out so early?
A: The problem is that everyone says is that we were kicked out in a typical Swiss way. We can’t reply to that because we have no excuse. We have to learn to accept a draw.

Have you already met Ottmar Hitzfeld?
A: No, but he wished me good luck for the operation.

Are you watching the European Championship?
A: Of course.

With some regrets?
A: Of course I regret having for played for 43 minutes. But now I enjoy watching the games and seeing my forecast confirmed.

What were your forecasts then?
A: I said that Turkey and Germany were going to be in the semifinals and that the Netherlands would have had a hard time against a young Russian team that has an excellent coach.