Basel is actively preparing for the upcoming season in the Swiss Super League and European competitions, with its pre-season training camp underway in Austria. Team captain Xherdan Shaqiri shared his thoughts with Swiss media on the training process and the club’s ambitions for the new season.
“Things are going well. We’re training hard, which is important. We want to be ready for the Champions League qualifiers,” said Shaqiri, who captained Basel to both the Swiss league title and Swiss Cup last season.
When asked whether pre-season gets tougher with age, Shaqiri admitted:
“It’s always tough. But with more experience, you understand some things better. The younger players are improving in terms of fitness. Since I’m a creative player, it might look like I’m playing like I did ten years ago—but you need more recovery after matches.”
Shaqiri emphasized that he now knows his body much better and understands what it needs physically.
“I know what my body needs. But I’m feeling very good,” he concluded.
