Euro 2024: Xhaka: “We talked a lot with Murat”

Granit Xhaka, Switzerland plays in 3-4-3, shines at the Euro, has just eliminated Italy: does all this come from discussions with Murat Yakin at the start of this year?

There are no big secrets, but a coach who comes to see you several times, who takes the time to talk to you, that’s important. We talked a lot with Murat. Not just about football, about lots of things, about the hotel here, about lots of details. I need to feel the coach’s total confidence.

Was it necessary after such poor qualifying to qualify for this Euro?

This negative phase was useful. It helped me open my eyes. To do even more, for the team, to be more present. To also improve my communication with the coach. Today, our relationship is excellent. It wasn’t always at this level, at the beginning. You learn from your mistakes. I made mistakes. Things had to be corrected and that was done.

“Today our relationship is excellent. She wasn’t always at this level.”

Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss team, on his relationship with Murat Yakin

Were you the one who convinced Murat Yakin to switch back to 3-4-3 this year, the same system as at Leverkusen?

You should not compare Leverkusen and Switzerland, they are two different things. And I’m not the coach. We talked about a lot of things, about football. But the tactics are up to the coach. Things have evolved towards what you see today on the ground. Towards a very good relationship too.

During the match against Italy, you took medicine before finishing the game: how is your adductor?

Good. The doctor gave me something. He is a very good doctor. The little pain has gone away. I had hurt myself a little in the days before the match, when we were training for the possible penalty shootout. I still feel some pain today (ed. note: sunday). But I’ll be ready for Saturday (editor’s note: for the quarter-final).

“I still feel pain today (editor’s note: Sunday). But I will be ready for Saturday.”

Granit Xhaka, captain of the Swiss team

You are proud of the performance against Italy, we imagine?

Very proud, yes. Proud of each of the players, proud of the staff. Even more proud of the performance than just the result.

How far can this Swiss team go? Some say she can even win the tournament…

I wouldn’t say that. The only thing I can say is that we will do everything for it. In this group, there is positive energy, even from those who play little. I take care of that. You have to stay positive and you get your chance. Fabian Rieder is the perfect example. Everything is possible.

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Daniel Visentini has been a journalist for the Sport Center since 2018. He was the head of the Sports section of the Tribune de Genève for seven years. He closely follows football news, particularly that of Servette FC and the Swiss team.More informations

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