- Rodriguez a mainstay for Switzerland regardless of relegation worries at membership stage
- He arrange the all-important opening objective in opposition to Bulgaria
- Says Switzerland are “more unpredictable than other teams”
The previous couple of seasons haven’t been notably straightforward for Ricardo Rodriguez. Last 12 months he went on mortgage to PSV Eindhoven from AC Milan, however whereas his stint there initially regarded promising, it was quickly dropped at an finish by the COVID-19 pandemic.
This time period he’s at Torino in Serie A, the place the crew have surprisingly grow to be concerned in a relegation battle. All the higher, then, that the left-footer additionally performs for the Switzerland nationwide crew and is an skilled cornerstone of the aspect with 74 worldwide caps to this point, working both at left-back, as a left midfielder or as a part of a again three.
The Swiss started their FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Group C qualifying marketing campaign with a comfortable 3-1 win in Bulgaria, with Rodriguez teeing up the opening objective after simply six minutes with an inch-perfect cross onto Breel Embolo’s head.
Before the crew’s subsequent match in opposition to Lithuania in St. Gallen on Sunday, the Zurich native took day out for an interview with FIFA.com.
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FIFA.com: What do you suppose is your greatest place in the intervening time? As a part of a again three, as a winger in a formation with a again three, or as a extra conventional full-back?
Ricardo Rodriguez: I can play in any position. As banal because it sounds, I’ll play wherever the coach places me. I’d say that I’m fairly versatile.
You’ve acquired over 70 worldwide caps and are one of many crew’s most skilled gamers. How has your position developed?
I got here into the nationwide crew after I was 18. I clearly cannot deny that I’ve acquired older, if solely from a organic viewpoint. I’ve gained expertise and maturity through the years. I’ve shouldered duty and attempt to give again to the crew and the coach by performing nicely.
Switzerland’s European Championship qualifying marketing campaign went easily general. What would be the key to World Cup qualifying?
That we focus on our personal strengths. We intention to impose our recreation on each opponent, to precise ourselves, to be environment friendly and to play as a crew. I feel we’re extra unpredictable than different groups as a result of we’re a unit and don’t rely on particular person gamers.
Ricardo Rodriguez honours
What nonetheless must be improved with a view to having a profitable World Cup qualifying marketing campaign and European Championship?
I feel we’re on the fitting monitor. Now it’s about being prepared on the proper moments and the necessary moments in order that we will play to our greatest. We not too long ago proved within the Nations League that we will maintain our personal in opposition to huge groups. That is and may proceed to be our benchmark.
What do you affiliate with Italy, the place you’ve been taking part in for a number of years now?
In terms of soccer, the very well-drilled defensive and tactical strategy in Serie A. In terms of all the pieces else: I benefit from the Italian lifestyle, the meals, the tradition and the heat.
Can we count on a tussle between Italy and Switzerland for prime spot in Group C, or would that be too presumptuous?
Italy are actually the favourites to win the group, however we see ourselves on equal terms with them. We don’t have anything to concern, and we received’t concern them.
What is your view on Italy rebuilding their nationwide crew? What are their strengths and what might be necessary for Switzerland in your matches in opposition to them?
Italy’s crew has modified lately. There are new faces and a few superb gamers. They’ve acquired an excellent tactical understanding, scored lots of targets in European Championship qualifying, and have had run not too long ago. So we’ll have to be cautious.
What form of video games are you anticipating throughout World Cup qualification?
It’s the beginning of a brand new marketing campaign so we’ll must hit our stride and never make any errors. But I’m optimistic that we’ll get off to begin if we focus on ourselves, retaining in thoughts that we’re going up in opposition to powerful opponents.
In a separate interview, you latterly commented on how rapidly time flies as a footballer. What targets do you set your self in your late 20s?
You pay much more consideration to your physique and to recovering nicely. In basic, you pay extra consideration to issues than you probably did earlier than.
