Published18. November 2024, 17:32
Moderator legendFarewell to Nati for SRF-Salzgeber: “Looking forward to golf with Yakin”
After ten years, Rainer Maria Salzgeber (55) is giving the moderation of the national team to Paddy Kälin. He felt his pulse 20 minutes before the last broadcast.
von
After 28 years, Rainer Maria Salzgeber is handing over the moderation of the national team to Paddy Kälin.
His last appearance is in Switzerland’s League of Nations match against Spain.
Salzgeber will stay with SRF and focus on the Champions League and Super League in the future.
Murat praises Yakin Salzgeber as a person and regrets leaving the Nati stage.
The last match of the League of Nations for Switzerland against Spain will be the last appearance of Rainer Maria Salzgeber as presenter of all programs about the national team. After ten years, the 55-year-old man from Valais hands over the microphone to fellow sportsman Paddy Kälin, who is seven years his junior.
An era comes to an end on Monday evening with the game in Tenerife. Salzgeber is not on the island at all, but he is sitting in the Zurich studio with the expert Benni Huggel and he is honored for this at the end of the broadcast at SRF. “It will be special, but I don’t think anything is planned,” Salzgeber told 20 Minutes.
The Swiss television veteran does not feel nervous or melancholy so shortly before the final farewell broadcast to the big national stage. “For me, the timing is right,” says Salzgeber. “Maybe next year I’ll be nostalgic when I follow the national team from afar.”
He was awarded a Television Award in 2014
Salzgeber looks back on 28 years with the national team with great fondness. The incident began in 1996 at the opening match of the European Championship in England, when the sports journalist who wanted to replace a colleague as a reporter at short notice. “Suddenly I was on the big stage, after two years on TV, that was crazy.”
That was the start of a long and successful SRF career – far beyond sport. At the home European Championships in 2008 he was awarded a television award and named sports journalist of the year. He has been a presenter in Nati’s studio since 2014.
Murat Yakin: ”I really respect him as a person.”
In the future, the focus will be – in addition to the “Donnschtig-Jass” - on the Champions League, the Super League and the sporting panorama, where he will be sure to come into contact with the national team again – even if only very rare. . “He will lose to television,” says Murat Yakin and also pays him a personal tribute. “I really respect him as a person.”
In the last three years, Nati’s coach has had to make intensive analyzes after matches with Salzgeber. “He wasn’t always very professional, but he had Beni Huggel for the expertise,” said Yakin when it was announced that the SRF star was leaving the national team.
He will miss the pitiful expressions and confrontation with Yakin, but he will soon experience them again in a different environment. “I’m looking forward to playing a round of golf with Murat or just chatting over dinner.”
20 Minute Fantasy League
Immerse yourself in the exciting world of the new fantasy game of 20 minutes! Create your individual dream team, show your football knowledge and fight for the highest position in the rankings. Whether you’re a passionate football fan or an avid fantasy gamer – the 20-minute Fantasy League is just right for you!
Your success depends on the real performance of the players and your skillful formation. Points are added for goals, but points are deducted for red cards. Your goal: Become the most successful manager. Great prizes await the best players every month!
How might Paddy Kälin’s approach differ from Rainer Salzgeber’s in covering the Swiss national team’s broadcasts?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Sports Journalism Expert
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we delve into the fascinating worlds of current events and expert insights. Today, we have with us a distinguished expert in sports journalism to discuss a recent major change in Swiss sports broadcasting. Rainer Maria Salzgeber has just completed his tenure as the presenter for the Swiss national team’s broadcasts after 28 years of service. Thank you for being here!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to discuss Rainer’s impressive career and what this transition means for Swiss sports broadcasting.
Editor: Rainer has been a central figure for SRF and Swiss football. Can you talk about the impact he has had on sports journalism in Switzerland?
Expert: Absolutely! Rainer’s career began in 1996, and he quickly became a beloved figure, particularly during the European Championships. His ability to connect with the audience, his in-depth knowledge, and his charisma on screen were key to his success. He transformed the sports broadcasting landscape in Switzerland, elevating the national team coverage and creating a bond with the fans that few can match.
Editor: His journey has been remarkable. What do you think has been his greatest contribution over the years?
Expert: One of his greatest contributions was the way he humanized sports journalism. He didn’t just report on the scores; he brought the emotions, the stories, and the personal journeys of the players to the foreground. He even won the Television Award for Sports Journalist of the Year, which emphasizes the impact he had. His farewell after the League of Nations match against Spain truly marks the end of an era.
Editor: Speaking of his farewell, how has he reacted to this significant life change? In his interview, he mentioned feeling that “the timing is right.”
Expert: It’s heartening to hear Rainer take an optimistic view of this transition. His perspective mirrors that of many professionals who recognize when it’s time to shift focus. He plans to continue working with SRF, concentrating on the Champions League and Super League. This will allow him to keep a connection with the national team, though in a different capacity. It’s a thoughtful way to stay involved without being at the forefront, which shows maturity in his understanding of his career path.
Editor: We also heard from national team coach Murat Yakin, who expressed his respect for Salzgeber as both a professional and a person. What does this kind of mutual respect indicate for the sports media landscape?
Expert: It highlights the importance of relationships in sports journalism. Rainer’s rapport with players, coaches, and even the viewers has fostered a respectful environment. This mutual respect can be crucial in journalism, as it creates a more open dialogue which can ultimately lead to more compelling and authentic storytelling. When journalists and coaches unite in respect, it enhances the integrity of sports reporting.
Editor: With Rainer leaving, his successor, Paddy Kälin, will take on a significant role. What should viewers expect from this transition?
Expert: Changes in leadership can bring both challenge and opportunity. Paddy, being younger and having a different approach may introduce fresh perspectives to the broadcasting of the national team. It will be interesting to see how he engages with the audience and the players. Viewers can expect an evolution rather than a revolution, as Rainer has laid a strong foundation in sports journalism.
Editor: looking ahead, what does the future hold for Rainer Maria Salzgeber?
Expert: Rainer’s future looks promising. His continued involvement with major leagues such as the Champions League means he will remain a key part of Swiss sports culture. Moreover, given his extensive experience, he could possibly mentor the next generation of sports journalists. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him expand his role into new formats or platforms, keeping his voice relevant in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Editor: Thank you for sharing your insights with us! Rainer’s departure is undoubtedly a significant event in Swiss sports broadcasting, and it’s been great to unpack its implications with your expertise.
Expert: Thank you! It was a pleasure discussing this landmark moment in sports journalism.