Modest, considerate, likeable and an expert at assessing the talents of young players.

As coaches go, Kobi Kuhn seems too good to be true but, in the eyes of Switzerland's supporters, his success is just reward for years of hard work.

Since his appointment in June 2001, Kuhn has turned an underachieving, ageing side into a youthful, energetic outfit which heads to Germany in high spirits.

Kuhn's primary focus when he took over was to build a nucleus of young players for Euro 2008, which the Swiss will co-host with Alpine neighbours Austria.

Their success in qualifying for Germany 2006 is an indication that his work is taking shape nicely.

"Two years ago I thought this World Cup would come a tad too early for my troops," he revealed.

"We've been thinking about Euro 2008 for a long time. It is of course the reason why we have constantly brought in young players."

Unlike most of his predecessors, Kuhn decided to pave the way for a new generation of players, a generation he already knew from his days in charge of Switzerland's Under-21s.

Current key performers such as Ricardo Cabanas, Alexander Frei, Ludovic Magnin and Daniel Gygax had all played for him before, which certainly made rebuilding a lot easier.

"We now have a young squad that is full of confidence," Kuhn said.

"It is already able to produce the goods next summer. We're extremely pleased with their development."

Apart from the emphasis on youth, Kuhn has also placed great importance on a sound team spirit.

That led to him backing inexperienced skipper Johann Vogel during his public row with veteran Ciriaco Sforza, who as a result hung up his boots.

Instead of relying on ageing players such as Stephane Henchoz, Kuhn opted to bring in promising talents such as Tranquillo Barnetta and Philippe Senderos for crucial World Cup qualifiers.

"I need to compliment my team on their ability to quickly integrate new players," Kuhn enthused.

"It takes less than 10 minutes. The team really breathes solidarity."

The fearlessness of youth enabled the Swiss to keep their nerve when faced with a hostile atmosphere in Istanbul for the second leg of their World Cup play-off against Turkey.

They took a 2-0 first-leg lead and managed to go through on away goals despite a 4-2 defeat in the return, their first loss in 14 months. The match was marred, however, by shameful scenes at the final whistle with players from both sides brawling as they went down the tunnel.

"We were under so much pressure before and during the return leg," Kuhn said.

"It was a major step in our development. You don't play for the national team to make money - something like this (the successful qualification) just makes you very proud."

The result sparked widespread euphoria in Switzerland.

Wiedikon, the working-class district of Zurich where Kuhn was raised, unveiled the "Kobi Kuhn WM 2006 square", and TV ratings for the national team have doubled ever since his appointment four-and-a-half years ago.

His squad even earned team of the year honours, while Kuhn was awarded the title in the coaching sector.

"Both titles are a great honour but all the credit goes to the team. It has blossomed wonderfully," stated Kuhn.

It has not all been smiles for the coach though.

He has fallen out with sections of the media after they criticised him for a soft "family-like attitude" towards his players. Former Switzerland great Alain Sutter has backed the coach's ideas, however.

"The players love to play for Kuhn because he treats them with respect and puts a lot of confidence in them," he explained.

"They just feel like they have to pay back this sort of confidence on the pitch. A lot of people underestimate the emotional aspect of things."

Regardless of his off-pitch philosophy, Kuhn has strong views on how his team should perform on it.

He insists: "It is our obligation to delight the crowd with an offensive style of play.

"Between the crowd and us there is a well-functioning interaction. We entertain them and they also help us."

Kuhn hopes his troops "can make an impact in Germany".

He vowed: "We have achieved some wonderful things but now all that matters is the summer. It is not enough just to travel to Germany and be happy to participate in the World Cup."

The Swiss have been pitted together with long-time rivals France, whom they drew twice against during qualification and lost to at Euro 2004, as well as South Korea and Togo.

"It is not going to be easy, but 'do-able'," Kuhn added.

"We have enough confidence to march through. We know the French well but they also know us.

"They will be under more pressure and I am thrilled that the game will be played in Stuttgart, which is not far from the Swiss border.

"Our goal is to play a major role in the tournament. We need to turn this aim into our dream - then everything is possible."