This season he missed only 17 minutes of action on the pitch, starting all games for the Eagles. Only six Bundesliga players passed the ball more often (81% success rate), only nine players had more ball touches (72 on average per game). He had 10 caps for Switzerland so far and he supports a charity for children with leukaemia which he suffered from himself as a two year old (see also www.pirmin-schwegler.ch and www.kinderkrebs-bern.ch).
Pirmin, are you looking forward to Christmas? What does it mean to you and how will you celebrate it?
I’m looking forward to it a lot, most of all to seeing my family. It will be great to have a breather and some peace and harmony with the family. I will be in Switzerland for the festive period and we’ll have a classic celebration with a Christmas tree and tasty food.
Would you have liked a longer winter break?
Yes actually. The break in the summer was very short due to the World Cup, so some more time off in this winter break would have been good.
How do you see the year 2010 for Eintracht?
It was predominantly a positive year. We took the next step in our development and stabilized our performances.
Is the 50 point target realistic?
It is still possible but we are not totally fixated on reaching 50 points.
Next week the team will travel to Aachen for the German DFB Cup game. Will it be possible to win?
Yes of course. Our aim is to advance to the next round no matter how.
Cup or league, which one is the more direct route to international football?
That's clearly the route via the cup competition. Some of the big teams have been already knocked out, the cup is the short cut and also a bit easier.
Your contract at Eintracht runs until 2012. Can you imagine extending it?
I can see that, but I think the priority now is manager Skibbe. I for myself will wait a little to see how things develop.
Are you homesick now and then?
Yes. Switzerland is my home country, where my closest friends live and my family. Nowhere in the world would I find equal bonds as with them.
How realistic is it that Switzerland will qualify for EURO 2012?
As long as it is possible from a calculative perspective we’ll do everything to make it.
How is it to work with a big name manager like Ottmar Hitzfeld who coaches the Swiss national team?
As a player you benefit from his experience and from his successes. Both as a human being and as a professional he is hugely competent.
As a child you suffered from leukaemia. Do you see life differently after such a heavy illness?
Yes, it formed a strong bond within our family. Such a disease puts everything into perspective.
Do you believe in god or in a higher power?
I do believe in a higher power and particularly in the good in humankind. That is my belief.
Your elder brother Christian is also a professional footballer. At which club and in which position does he play?
He is a right defender at Red Bull Salzburg. Unfortunately he is injured at the moment. He will be in the stadium against Dortmund to support us.
Which spot do you like most in Frankfurt?
My home is my favourite place in Frankfurt, since I can relax and wind down there. And of course in the Commerzbank Arena I can live my dream of being a footballer.
Are you on a strict diet or are burgers and kebaps allowed in between?
On and off a sin is allowed, but not very often.
The contract of manager Michael Skibbe runs out next summer. Would you be glad if he stays put?
I would be happy if he extends his contract. He has a big impact on pushing the team’s development.
Which player sits next to you in the team bus?
Maik Franz when he is not banned (laughs).
And which player is your room mate in hotels?
Sebastian Jung.
What do you chat about on an evening ahead of a game?
Sebastian always watches soap operas on TV, so I have to busy myself with something else (laughs).
Which Dortmund player would you like to swap shirts on Saturday?
If he still played it would be Stephane Chapuisat. He was one of the best strikers I have ever seen and is one of my all time heroes.
Pirmin, your prediction for Saturday?
We’ll win the game!
