In this video
- Asked what captaining a home Euros means, the Switzerland captain said she never pictured hosting a tournament. Women's football still has a lot of steps to go here, and the team wants to inspire the nation.
- The Switzerland coach said football is about diversity, and players have different personalities, so they are not all treated the same way. The coach tries to spend a lot of time with them individually.
- In the very beginning the coach thought the players were way too quiet, and tells them to use whatever voice they have. The coach thinks everybody is prepared for a lot of pressure tomorrow.
- Asked why Switzerland, the coach said the reason is tomorrow's game, as a European Championship on home soil is something special. Coaching a smaller country is pretty much the same, the coach said.
“So I don't read it.”
- Asked if the negative build-up had affected the coach personally, the answer was no, because it is about football. After only a year and a half there, the coach thinks changes in general are difficult.
- Asked if a Swiss Euros can teach diversity, the coach called it a tricky question but truly believes women's football is important for society. The coach would rather talk about 3-5-2 and 4-4-2.
- Asked what to expect tomorrow, the coach said the key is to be compact. If the middle is solid as a rock, there is a big chance to win, but goals are needed too, so it is a little bit of a gamble.
As the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off in Basel, Switzerland captain Leah and head coach Pia Sundhage addressed the media with conviction ahead of the tournament opener against Norway.
Leah reflected on the emotional weight of captaining her country in a home European Championship, a moment she never envisioned when her international career began. She emphasized the opportunity to be role models, inspire the nation, and push women’s football forward in Switzerland.
Head coach Pia Sundhage praised the squad’s diversity, growth, and unity. She spoke about creating a supportive environment where each player finds her voice, and how the team embraced leadership and change under her guidance. Pia also addressed the pressure of the home tournament and how criticism from the media does not affect her focus.
On a tactical level, she emphasized the importance of compact midfield play, controlling space, and balancing risk and reward in attack. Sundhage also expressed her belief that hosting this tournament can help promote social progress through football and serve as a national milestone for Switzerland.
The message from both leaders is clear: Switzerland is ready, grounded, and eager to make an impact on and off the pitch.
