Sunderland’s Granit Xhaka has urged Leeds United’s Noah Okafor to focus on the pitch after his omission from the Switzerland squad.
Blick have published a detailed interview with the Sunderland summer signing. The 33-year-old was asked about Okafor’s criticism of the national team situation.
The Leeds player last made an appearance for Switzerland in November 2024.
Blick reported in October that the winger appeared moody and was poor in training during Euro 2024. 20 Minuten then said Switzerland coach Murat Yakin had a misunderstanding with the 25-year-old at the Euros.
Yakin left Okafor out of the squad for November’s matches. The manager said he wants a better attitude from the Leeds United player if he’s to be picked again.
Okafor then gave an interview in which he was critical of how he’s been treated by Switzerland.
Leeds United player told to ‘keep quiet and work’
On Tuesday, Switzerland team director Pierluigi Tami slammed Okafor for his comments. Blick have now asked Xhaka whether the winger’s criticism has been received well.
“I had a phone conversation with Noah before his interview. Naturally, the national team was also a topic of discussion,” he said.
“It’s difficult for me to comment on this topic at all without knowing all the details. He was given opportunities at the European Championship and the World Cup.
“For my part, I would realistically assess the situation: Why am I not making it? Why am I not in the squad?”
Okafor accused Yakin and Tami of breaking contact with him. The Sunderland player was asked to respond to this.
“I don’t know. I’m just saying that I think it’s good to maintain contact. Noah has great potential. He hasn’t shown it often enough in recent years. He’s really coming into his own now at Leeds. The league suits him,” Xhaka explained.
“Nevertheless, Noah could play a role in the future if he gets a better handle on certain things. Sometimes you have to look down, shut up, and work. That applies to everyone, including me. In the end, performance on the pitch is what counts.”