Granit Xhaka, the captain of the Swiss national team, spoke out on Friday about the improved relationship he now has with manager Murat Yakin. This comes after reports of disagreements over strategy during a challenging qualification campaign marked by late-game errors. Despite the struggles, Switzerland is gearing up to face Hungary in their first Group A match in Cologne with the goal of proving they still have what it takes to advance to the knockout rounds of the tournament.
During the Euro 2024 qualifying campaign, Switzerland managed to secure their spot in second place in the group standings. However, it was not without its setbacks, as they only managed to defeat Andorra in their last eight matches while letting crucial leads slip away against teams like Israel and Kosovo. This led to speculation of discord between Yakin and the players, with fans even calling for the coach to be sacked. However, Xhaka addressed these rumors by stating, “We are adults enough to clarify everything. So I’ve had a great relationship with the coach in the last six, eight months. It has been better than the past.” This indicates that both parties have worked to resolve any issues that may have arisen.
Xhaka went on to explain that his relationship with Yakin has significantly improved, with the two even sharing meals and drinks together. The midfielder praised Yakin for his willingness to listen to the players and engage in open communication. Xhaka’s fiery reputation and occasional emotional outbursts on the field have been well-documented, but he has shown growth and maturity since his move away from Arsenal. His contributions were pivotal in helping Bayer Leverkusen secure the Bundesliga title this season.
Future Prospects
As Switzerland looks ahead to their upcoming matches against Hungary, Scotland, and Germany, Xhaka remained cautious about making any bold predictions. He emphasized his reluctance to engage in speculative discussions about the team’s chances, preferring instead to focus on the present moment. Despite the challenges they may face in their group, Xhaka’s renewed relationship with Yakin and the team’s determination to succeed could play a crucial role in their quest to extend their streak of reaching the knockout stages in major tournaments.
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