Zuberbuehler criticises Kuhn

Interview by the SonntagsZeitung former Switzerland goalkeeper Pascal Zuberbuehler, who played his last game in the 2-0 win against Portugal, has criticised Kuhn for his choices.

“We have failed.” He can’t stand the fact that people are congratulating the “Nati” for what it did: “It was like a relapse.”
He believes that the Swiss players have been too naive. The team needed more experience to be successful at this tournament (an indirect criticism to Kuhn’s decision of making Benaglio first choice keeper?). The lack of communication and teamspirit is also a reason for this failure: “As first choice keeper and with my experience I could have helped the younger players. My role as a sub was miserable. It was very hard to accept. For a Zuberbuehler, it’s horrific!”

Johann Vogel, Cabanas and Huggel should have been first-choice players instead of staying at home or warming the bench: “In a tournament one needs experienced players, players who know how to interpret the game and players who know when one has to defend a draw rather than making silly mistakes.”

The goalkeeper didn’t agree with Kuhn’s choice of calling Muller: “Patrick didn’t struggle. He could have done a lot more had he been fit. How long had he been away from the pitch? 6 months!” and concerning the fact that Senderos needs Patrick to ensure stability in the back, Zubi says: “We have Djourou, Eggimann and Grichting.”

A new, belated criticism of Kuhn’s choices comes from one of those players who has had his ups and downs and who should know better. Why didn’t you coach the team my dear Zubi?