Switzerland national tea, director Pierluigi Tami wants to make sure the drama around Leeds United’s Noah Okafor doesn’t impact the team.
Blick cover comments made by the national team official about Okafor’s recent interview.
The forward joined Leeds United from AC Milan in August and has scored two goals from eight league matches. His performances weren’t enough to return to the Switzerland squad.
Okafor last featured for his country in November 2024.
Last month, we covered claims from the Swiss press that the 25-year-old’s behaviour was questionable at Euro 2024. It was also stated he had a misunderstanding with manager Murat Yakin at the Euros.
Last Thursday, Yakin dropped him from the squad for November’s matches. He urged the Leeds United player to improve his attitude to be reconsidered for selection.
A day later, Okafor gave an interview to The Athletic, criticising Yakin. He said it “makes no sense” to drop him. The attacker also stated there’s been no contact from the manager or director.
Leeds United player with poor timing
Tami has now slammed the Switzerland international and sent a clear message to him.
“This statement is not welcome. The timing is bad. The manner is wrong. If a player has a problem with a coach, he should only speak to him. You can always call him, talk to him,” he said.
“I have absolutely no understanding for what he did. He needs to be patient and humble. And above all, he must put the team before his personal problems. The national team must come first.
“To be called up, a player must perform well at club level and be in line with the coach’s needs. Both criteria must be met. Currently, in Noah’s case, they aren’t, according to the coaching staff. We’re not even talking about his footballing abilities.”
The director isn’t closing the door on him returning to the squad. However, he says the latest interview hasn’t helped.
“It’s not closed for anyone. But with this interview, Noah hasn’t done anything to bring the two sides closer together. After this training camp, we’ll try to reconnect with him, even if we’re not happy with what he’s done,” Tami explained.
Talks will be held with Okafor after this international break to sort out the drama.
“The ball is in Noah’s court. Murat clearly told him what he expected from him during his last training camp against Serbia a year ago. At Milan and Napoli, he played very little. He’s started playing again this season,” he added.
“He knows what’s expected of him. Murat told him so. What I’m saying today is that we need positive energy, and we’re losing because of things like this. The priority is to keep the team away from these issues. I don’t want it to affect the team.”