Switzerland Captain Issues Blunt Warning to Okafor
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has told Leeds United forward Noah Okafor to "keep your mouth shut and work" following the player's public outburst over his continued exclusion from the national squad. The stern advice comes after Okafor publicly expressed his frustration at being overlooked by manager Murat Yakin for nearly a year.
The Source of the Frustration
The £18m summer signing from AC Milan was left out of Yakin's 24-man squad for the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Kosovo. Okafor's last appearance for Switzerland was in a 3-2 Nations League loss to Spain on November 18, 2024.
In a revealing interview with the New York Times, Okafor highlighted what he perceives as a complete breakdown in communication with the national team setup. "Since then, I never spoke with the coach, not even a phone call or a message, also with the sporting director Pierluigi Tami," Okafor stated. "They don't even call me or ask me. For me, it makes no sense."
He expressed particular disappointment at not receiving any recognition for his summer move to the Premier League, adding, "I can say it makes me sad because they don't even text me or call me to see how I am. For example, when I moved to Leeds - 'Congrats' or something like that - because I play now in the best league in the world."
Xhaka's Firm Response and Team Dynamics
Xhaka revealed he had already spoken with the 25-year-old before his interview was published. Speaking to Swiss outlet Blick, the Sunderland midfielder explained his perspective. "I had a phone conversation with Noah before his interview. Naturally, the national team was also a topic of discussion," Xhaka said.
He urged a more pragmatic approach from his international teammate, suggesting, "Personally, I would realistically assess the situation; 'Why am I not making it? Why am I not in the squad?'"
Xhaka also pointed to the strong form of other attacking options like Dan Ndoye at Nottingham Forest and Ruben Vargas at Sevilla as factors in the selection process. "The current statistics speak for themselves," he noted, before delivering his core message: "Sometimes you have to look down, keep your mouth shut and work. That applies to everyone - including me. In the end, performance on the pitch is what matters."
Okafor has featured eight times in the Premier League for Leeds this campaign, netting twice, as Daniel Farke's side battles to avoid relegation.
Official Backlash from Swiss Football Authorities
Switzerland's national teams director, Pierluigi Tami, has also strongly criticised Okafor's public comments. At a press conference, Tami expressed his clear disapproval, stating, "This statement is not welcome. The timing is wrong, the form is wrong. If a player has a problem with a coach, he should only speak to him."
Reports indicate Tami slammed his fist on the desk during the conference for emphasis. He concluded with a firm rebuke: "I have no understanding for what he did. He needs to have patience and humility. And above all, he must put the team before his personal problems. The national team must come before everything."
