Switzerland give Scotland verdict as flight issue takes toll on manager amid missed press conference

Yakin took training at Scotland’s national stadium and will hope to recover before Tuesday’s Nations League match, when Sebastien Pocognoli will take charge of the hosts for the first time at home following his debut in a goalless draw in Slovenia.

Switzerland’s press conference started after a two-hour flight delay.

A Swiss FA spokesman: “Murat Yakin isn’t at the press conference because he has hearing problems. He struggled with the pressure from the flight so can’t participate in this press conference.

“He will be at the training session and we hope these complaints will be solved, as has been the case in the past, and he can be in good health for the game.

“There were some problems with the weight as we entered the flight. It means we had to land again in Zurich and they had to put more fuel in the engine.”

Yakin’s assistant, Davide Calla, took over media duties and said: “We’ve spent a lot of time looking at Scotland.

“With the change of coach it will be a different proposition to the Euros (when the teams drew 1-1 in 2024) but we know what to expect.

“They will be robust, play with a lot of passion and they have a lot of quality players especially in midfield with the ball at their feet. In the second half against Slovenia they showed the quality they have.

“It was clear Scotland were better in the second half. It’s an absolute highlight playing at this brilliant stadium. We’ll have lots of motivation to play in this big match.”