Swiss plan Euro take-off

Ammann gives Swiss side pep-talk ahead of crucial qualifier

Last Updated: October 11, 2010 10:57pm

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Ammann: Inspirational

Sky Bet

Ottmar Hitzfeld has called on Switzerland to show an English mentality and spirit, and has enlisted the services of four-time Olympic ski jump gold medallist Simon Ammann to inspire his team.

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The Swiss have lost their opening two Group G qualifiers against England and Montenegro and are seeking to kick-start their faltering Euro 2012 campaign against Wales on Tuesday.

The former Bayern Munich coach sought help from tennis legend and national hero Roger Federer two years ago which inspired the side to qualify for the World Cup finals in South Africa.

And now Hitzfeld has called on the services of Ammann in the hope that his pep-talk will have the same desired effect.

"Losing to Luxembourg was a real low point, so we invited Roger Federer to talk to us about his success," Hitzfeld said.

"He talked for half an hour and it was a very good evening.

"We thought we would try it again and we had the opportunity to talk to Simon.

"He gave us quite a talk and he showed us the hill where he trains. It was something different and it was very good."

Mentality

Hitzfeld also wants his team to gain an English 'quality' in the hope it can fire them to a much needed win against Wales at Basel's St Jakob Park.

The German said: "What we need is an English quality - team spirit.

"We were missing team spirit against Montenegro. With team spirit anything is possible."

"One of these teams can qualify and it is our job to make sure it is Switzerland.

"I'd be sorry for Wales but we must everything to make sure it is Switzerland."