Bernie Schodler – Swiss coach “The pressure will be greater”
For the Swiss team last week's ski jumping in Predazzo was the last summer training.
This was the last camp and the last jumps on plastic mattings for Bernie Schoedler's players before going to Scandinavia for the first trainings in the snow in early November.
The grouping was aimed not only at improving the technique, but also getting acquainted with the world cup arena 2003, which are the highlight of the season.
“Except on the last day, I am very happy with the training. Things didn't go well on Friday alone.
We could give ourselves this day” says Swiss team coach Bernie Schödler.
“During this week we tested both hills and the results were quite positive.
In addition to checking objects, another inspection of the surroundings was necessary. It is important, to meet the hotel where we will be staying during the World Cup, all infrastructure and roads”.
Currently, the Swiss team has two weeks off before starting training in the snow.
The past summer was filled with countless meetings with the media and sponsors, apart from regular training.
“These appointments are fun chores. You just have to make an effort, to coordinate them well with your training plan, which is the top priority. Then everything will surely go well”.
After the successes of last winter, the Swiss team enters the new season from a completely different position. How is the team doing
with the new situation and pressure?
“Naturally, the pressure and expectations in the Swiss team will be greater, but we have no problems.
Simon Ammann wants to be on the podium and has shown with his achievements, that he can afford it” says Bernie Schödler.
“Of course, we do not set any unrealistic goals.
Positions in the top ten will be enough to start with.
Alongside Simon Ammann, Andi Küttel also has potential, to occupy high positions. He proved that more than once last season”.
It cannot and must not be expected, that in Predazzo another Swiss will become a double world champion, but if you look at it realistically, we will also be satisfied with the scoring position of Sylvain Freiholz or Marco Steinauer. The results must be
possible and to our satisfaction.
Without a doubt, the most difficult task for a coach is, to make a team from a world-class jumper, Simona Ammanna, from the player, which has already occupied high places many times, Andi Küttel and two Marco Steinauer and Sylvain Freiholz.
This was not a strong suit for the Swiss last season.
What is the main priority for the coach in the team?
“Everyone is important on the team. Next to the world star, Simona Ammanna, other players must not be neglected.
The scoring positions of Sylvain and Marco are enough for us, nothing has changed here.
Bernie Schödler has not changed either, who only a year ago had to live with hope and look optimistically into the future.
Simon Ammann's double Olympic championship changed everything, and the Swiss remained the same friendly and sociable man.