In the second edition of our portrait series, we talk with goalkeeper Elvira Herzog and goalkeeper coach Patricia Gsell. Elvira’s journey between the posts began at the age of twelve when her coach at the time suggested she try the position. That decision has certainly paid off. Today, the 25-year-old plays in goal for both RB Leipzig in the German Bundesliga and the Nati.

Patricia Gsell, 35 years old, has been the Swiss Football Association’s first professional goalkeeper coach since April 2022. Her passion for football also started in childhood when she spontaneously stepped into goal on the pitch next to her grandparents’ house. Her love for the game has remained strong ever since.

 

"Elvira, what equipment and personal items do you take with you when you travel with the national team?"
"Definitely my goalkeeper gloves," says Elvira. In addition to gloves, she always has shoes and shin guards in her luggage. For the rest, she uses a precise packing list to make sure she doesn't forget anything. In addition to her equipment, she also includes personal items such as her neck pillow, headphones and a book.

 

"Patricia, your luggage as a goalkeeping coach is certainly very different from that of the players. What special equipment or devices do you take with you?"
In addition to shoes and gloves, Patricia explains that it includes a lot of technology. "Cameras, GoPro, iPad, cables and chargers - I travel a lot and need them all the time." She also packs special training accessories: different colored tennis balls to train the goalkeepers' coordination and reaction times, as well as a "goalie reaction star" with colorful spikes for cognitive exercises.

 

"Elvira, is there a ritual or object that helps you relax when you're traveling? "
"Yes, my pillow," she answers without hesitation. "It rolls up compactly and smells like home. It helps me sleep well wherever I am. For me, that’s essential." With a smile, she adds that such a pillow is considered a bit of an insider hack among goalkeepers.

 

Up for a little prank? If they could play a joke on each other, what would they sneak into each other’s luggage?
Elvira immediately has an idea: "I've known since last week that you're afraid of snakes, Patricia, so I'd put a rubber snake in your suitcase."

Patricia counters with a little prank of her own. She would simply hide some extra weight at the bottom of Elvira's suitcase, where you wouldn't expect it, so that she has to clear everything out first. Sounds familiar to us somehow, see Part 1 of our serie with Noemi Ivelj.

 

In the game "Who is more like...?", Elvira and Patricia read out statements to which they each respond with a sign showing the name of the person to whom the statement best applies.
Which of them packs in a more structured way and has a better organized suitcase? Elvira and Patricia disagree. Elvira explains how important it is for her to lay everything out carefully, which takes a lot of time: "I pack everything in small travel bags and make sure larger items like shoes are stored separately and neatly" Patricia agrees, saying, “I do it the same way.” In the end, it is a tie. Both pack very systematically whether for personal trips or matches. However, Elvira admits that on the way home, the order sometimes gets messy when things have to be done quickly.

 

Who has more weight in their luggage?
Patricia carries the heavier luggage with technology and equipment, which often weighs over 20 kilos. Five toiletry bags add to the weight. 

 

And who is more likely to forget something - and what has already been forgotten?
Both laugh about their little mishaps. Patricia once forgot her GoPro, which she needed to analyze the goalkeeper in training. Elvira says that she once didn't pack her goalkeeper gloves because they had to be sent to her first. However, they only arrived at the last minute.

 

"What emotional highlights have particularly shaped you in your career? "
Elvira remembers one match in particular last year at the Letzigrund in Zurich. "It was one of the first games where I realized that I was going to be the number 1 in the national team," she says. The moment was very emotional. Not only her family, but also all her friends and acquaintances were in the stadium.

Patricia has also had some formative experiences in the national team. An away game against England was particularly impressive for her. "The stadium was full, even though it was only a test match. There were fans everywhere with flags and portraits. It was really big," she says. Elvira adds: "And when we stood on the pitch and the fireworks went off to the anthem, it got really warm in the stadium. It was very emotional for me too."

 

"Elvira, what mental techniques help you to stay focused when traveling and playing under pressure? "
Elvira explains that conscious mindfulness in particular helps her to stay focused under pressure. In stressful moments, she pauses for a moment and consciously takes in her surroundings. On the pitch, it is important for her to enjoy the atmosphere and the energy, even when the pressure is high. Small sensory impressions such as the wind or smells help her to stay present and remember that she actually has the best job in the world.

 

"Elvira and Patricia, are you happy that you don't have to transport your equipment abroad for the European Championships at home? "
Patricia explains that although the packing itself remains the same, the familiar surroundings make a big difference. "You know the stadiums and the surroundings, which is a great feeling. It's nice when you recognize everything on the drive to the stadium." Elvira agrees and adds with a laugh: "I'll still have packing stress and need my list. It's a shame that we're not traveling through Europe with SWISS this year, but it's just nice to play in Switzerland. You can clearly feel the euphoria throughout the country." Patricia adds: "Just the idea of playing the opening game in a Swiss stadium gives me goosebumps."

 

Wanderlust or love of home? Which destinations do Elvira and Patricia dream of traveling to and which flight connections do they miss?
For Patricia, one thing is certain: she is drawn to faraway places on vacation. "I love discovering new places and I've already been lucky enough to travel to every continent. At the moment, I'm particularly fascinated by Asia. Tokyo is at the top of my wish list," she says enthusiastically.

The situation is different for Elvira. Since moving to Germany, she has gained a new appreciation for her homeland. When hiking with her teammates, she always realizes how unique Switzerland is. That's why spending vacations in Switzerland is something very special for her. The wanderlust remains: she would like to travel to Kenya and Tanzania again, and India is also at the top of her list. For the time after her career, she even dreams of a trip around the world.

Her wish for a new flight connection? Not a long-haul flight, but a direct flight from Leipzig to Zurich. “That would be my dream. It would allow me to visit beautiful Switzerland more often, even for short trips.”

Finally, we play a short round of "This or That: Travel Edition".

• Hand baggage or checked baggage? Patricia: It depends. For short trips, I try to pack everything in my hand luggage. But for longer trips, I definitely take the large suitcase.

• Window seat or aisle seat? Elvira: On long flights I prefer the aisle, it's more comfortable for my legs. But I also love the view out of the window during take-off or landing.

• Sweet or salty? Both in chorus: Salty! - and Elvira adds: But SWISS chocolate bar is still a must, of course.

• Tea or coffee? Patricia opts for tea, as does Elvira. But outside the plane, they also like to have a coffee.

• Tomato juice or champagne? Patricia: I tried tomato juice for the first time on my last flight - surprisingly good! I'll have it again.

 

Finally, Patricia and Elvira each receive a small gift for the European Championships. Patricia is delighted with an exclusive selection of teas, Elvira with the classic SWISS chocolate and a coffee mug with an airplane motif. The anticipation of the European Championships is growing. We wish them both every success and keep our fingers crossed. Hopp Schwiz!

If you enjoyed the article, stay tuned. In the next and final installment of our series, we'll introduce you to forward player Alayah Pilgrim.