Chapuisat back in the spotlight

EURO draw
Despite retiring from international football with a record of 21 goals in 103 matches, Chapuisat will return to the European stage on Friday when he conducts the UEFA EURO 2008™ qualifying draw in tandem with Austria's Andreas Herzog in Montreux. The official UEFA EURO 2008™ newsletter, Inside EURO 2008™, caught up with the FC Lausanne-Sport forward ahead of the event.

Inside EURO 2008™: Andi Herzog is an ambassador for the Austrian Football Association and the tournament, but your role is not so clear yet, is it? 
Stéphane Chapuisat: At the moment I am still concentrating on my playing career. But I am always available for PR appearances related to EURO 2008™, such as the draw.

How important is the championship to your country?
Having a tournament right on our doorstep is the best thing that could happen to Swiss football. The World Cup in Germany is coming just at the right time for our young players. It will give them experience without the same level of pressure they will be under in front of their home crowds in two years' time.

What should the team be aiming for?
Only coach Köbi Kuhn can really answer that. I would say that reaching the second phase is more than realistic. It's always great to watch the lads. And it will become even more enjoyable by 2008.

What is your fondest memory of your time as a Swiss international?
The 4-1 win over Romania in our first [FIFA] World Cup in 1994. By winning that game, we progressed as rank outsiders to the last 16.

Do you have a firm idea of what you will do when you stop playing? 
There are a few possibilities. I would like to work with strikers, possibly with youngsters as well. But I have not decided anything more concrete than that.

What tips can a player of your stature and experience give to young players?
The main thing I can teach them is my attitude to football. My desire in every training session, my will to win, maybe also some of my technical skills.