Football News - The Purist meets Ramon Vega

In conversation with the ex-Switzerland and Tottenham defender

	England v Switzerland: Ramon Vega's preview
	England v Switzerland: Ramon Vega's preview

Switzerland have stood in the way of England's progress in the final stages of the European Championships before, and one man who remembers that game - Euro 96's Wembley opener all too well is former Tottenham and Celtic defender Ramon Vega, now retired and trying his hand at asset management.

The Purist meets Ramon Vega

Soccerphile: Of the three games you played against England, would you say your favourite was the 1998 friendly draw at home, in which you scored, when England were warming up for the World Cup and Switzerland had not qualified?
Ramon Vega: I always enjoyed scoring goals, but I would have to say the Euro 96 game was my favourite memory of all, not just of the times I played for Switzerland against England. We really surprised the hosts that day, and we deserved at least the point we got. I felt myself reaching a higher level and I was not alone. To equalise showed our character and we made the English very nervous for a while even though it remained 1-1. The other game, in 1995, we lost 3-1 at Wembley, and only Henchoz and Chapuisat are still around from those days.

Soccerphile: In Euro 96 was it the England team or the media that so underestimated the Swiss, and what are the chances of this happening again when we meet in Coimbra, Portugal, on June 17?
Ramon Vega: Well once again we do not have as impressive a track record as England have. You can understand the media not giving us a chance then or now. It really is again the big danger for England if their players underestimate us, however and maybe that is our best chance of getting through!

Soccerphile: Switzerland don't score very often, and conceded more goals than any other group winner in qualifying. Stephane Chapuisat's last international goal was in September 2002 and two strikers, Streller and Thurre, will miss this tournament through injury. How worrying is this for you?
Ramon Vega: Goals are our major problem, I agree. Alexander Frei scored only four in qualifying but I am not worried about Chapuisat. He has always been a provider; a creator, and never really been prolific in scoring. If he can demonstrate all his experience of the standards of Inter Milan and Borussia Dortmund, it has to be good for us.

Soccerphile: Injuries have also plagued the Yakin brothers, with torn thigh muscles and a double hernia this season. Aren't Murat and Hakan especially indispensible?
Ramon Vega: Hey, I played with both of them when we were young and they have always been fragile, so for us this is normal! OK, we are a better team with Hakan and Murat, but I also think young Johann Volanthen is capable of making a big impression this summer, just like Michael Owen did in France 98, so the Yakins are not the only Swiss players who can win games.

Soccerphile: The Switzerland manager, Kobi Kohn, described topping group 10, which contained Russia and Ireland, as like having already won the Alpe d'Huez stage in the Tour de France, whereas Hassan Yakin has perhaps shown more ambition, insisting that he sees this game as a play-off for a quarter-final place. Do you agree with either view?
Ramon Vega: I do agree that if England should lose to France and we beat Croatia then this game will be central to the outcome of our group. There is going to be pressure because one team may be knocked out, so it is important we handle that pressure best.

Soccerphile: Tell us about the manager's style. Former Swiss coach Roy Hodgson described him as being quiet while carrying real authority, which may remind England supporters of Sven!
Ramon Vega: Yes, he has respect for being in the national team before he was a manager. Fortunately he is a complex man - most other countries don't have to worry about players from three different languages. He is not afraid to put youth in the team and he admires talent, which I am happy about.

Soccerphile: And what of the Swiss supporters' expectations?
Ramon Vega: The fact is we have not qualified for any finals since 1996, so they will look forward to a party whatever the results. Of course we all want to win, but we are also proud just to be taking part in such an exciting event. We are not under any illusion that we are among the favourites, put it that way!

Soccerphile: Will your players be motivated in this game by the chance of a transfer to the Premiership - with the possible exception of goalkeeper Jorg Stiel, who admits he does not even keep up with the English game on television?
Ramon Vega: Maybe the others then! Yes, I think so, and there is already talk about Patrick Muller moving to my old club, Spurs. He is good enough to make that leap, in my opinion, after a fantastic season as captain in defence at Lyon. Our players would be stupid not to see these games as a stage on which to promote themselves.

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Football News - The Purist meets Ramon Vega

In conversation with the ex-Switzerland and Tottenham defender

England v Switzerland: Ramon Vega's preview

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England v Switzerland:
Ramon Vega's preview