World Cup qualifier, Hungary vs. Switzerland – Gera: We’ll need to perform even better than in the Euros

Hungary’s veteran playmaker Zoltán Gera is fully aware of the test posed by Switzerland in this Friday’s FIFA World Cup qualifier but is sure the team will be as well prepared as ever, mlsz.hu reports.

“Switzerland are a very good team – they proved this at Euro 2016 and have proved this many times at past World Cups and European championships, so they are a constant member of that group of sides [which compete at these tournaments]. We’re talking about a very experienced team here so maybe we need an even better performance [than at Euro 2016] in order to beat them because I heard at this Euros they were one of the best teams there and, if I remember well, they only went out on penalties. Therefore it is very important we show what we can do on our home pitch – it goes without saying that we will play at home in front of our own fans. Until now our preparation for every team have gone well and it will be the same this time – I’m sure our head coach has found the appropriate tactics so I would like us to practise these but I will say again that we’re expecting a very, very difficult match and we’re going to play against a very good team”.

The Ferencváros midfielder was also enthusiastic about the young Hungarian talent coming through, the full squad having trained for this last week with their Under-21 counterparts:

“We have 10-15 young players who have already played approximately 45 top-tier matches which is obviously a positive thing. In the last week I have trained with them and I have seen they are playing with a flourish and playing with experience of NBI so I can say that in the coming years some of these will make it to the national team. I’ve spent a pleasurable week in their company and even I feel a little bit younger than when I arrived – it’s a bit strange really – almost like a debutant, but that’s life – the youngsters come in and the older guys slowly leave the scene so I’m just trying to take a few more steps with the others [from the squad]”.

Photo: mlsz.hu

Source: mlsz.hu