A Spanish spy in Swiss football: "They have few options and are trying to delay Spain's goal as much as possible."

Marta Peiró left Valencia in the summer of 2020 for Servette to play in the Champions League, and today, as the club's sporting director, at just 26 years old, she is the best spy Spain can have for analyzing the Swiss national team and how football is beginning to grow in this country. For now, she has already signed national talent to fight for the league title, which Young Boys won last year: Christian Toro as coach and Enith Salón , the 2023 World Cup-winning goalkeeper.

Switzerland's quarter-final qualification is historic...

Without a doubt. I would love for it to have an impact on society, on the Super League, and on the clubs, for it to be a little push to unify. Switzerland is a country with German, French, and Italian influences, which sometimes create cultural friction and a rift that I hope football will overcome. They don't have much of a football culture, and now you hear people talking about it in their daily conversations, and they're starting to want to learn more about women's football, and that's a good thing.

The vast majority of players are out of the Super League...

The same thing happens with the men's national team. It's a very unique nation, outside the European Union and always under the influence of Italy, France, Germany, and Austria. It's a country of immigration, and young talent is quickly spotted by scouts from more developed leagues. That's starting to change, and more players are staying, but it's still a springboard league. They want to showcase themselves and are very close to three of the top five leagues in Europe. When offers arrive, they usually leave.

Does Switzerland have a chance of beating Spain?

This is football, but... few, very few. They should have a very defensive approach and delay Spain's goal as much as possible to capitalize on a counterattack with Reuteler, who, with three MVPs, I see them as very capable. But the percentage of them being able to achieve something historic is low. There's still a huge gap.

Spain thrashed them a year ago in the Nations Cup, but now they have a new coach, veteran Pía Sundhage...

It's true that the national team has changed, not only because of Pía's arrival, but also because of a generational shift. The players have gone to very important clubs and have grown significantly. Pía's influence is indisputable, but several positive factors have come together.

What should Spain pay more attention to?

Without a doubt, Reuteler, because she's a free player on the pitch who's unpredictable; you never know what she'll do when she gets the ball. But they also have to be careful with the space they leave behind. Riola Xhemajli is really surprising me, and not just because she scored the goal that took them to the quarterfinals. She's been decisive.

And how do you see Spain?

Unstoppable. When you're on the pitch and watch them, there's a huge difference. They're very technical, but also strong, they're incredibly well-trained, and they have many options. There's no longer just a Plan A, but a Plan B, C, and D. I see them as far superior to the rest, although I've also been surprised by France, which is always the one that promises but doesn't deliver. I see them as above the rest, but Spain, even more so.

Will you be able to continue signing Spanish players?

Fortunately, there are many very good ones. We've always been technically savvy; you could tell we played since we were kids, but now we've added physicality. That's where they've surpassed their rivals. Right now, the Spanish players are the most complete and the most expensive. Of those close to the national team, I could only afford one in my annual budget.