Daniel Farke respects Noah Okafor’s Switzerland step back after private chat | OneFootball

Daniel Farke says he respects Noah Okafor’s decision to pause Switzerland duty, calling it a choice the 26-year-old must make for his career. He was told of the move in private before it became public and said he appreciated that.

According to Leeds Live, Okafor announced on Wednesday that he would step back from national-team involvement while Murat Yakin remains in charge, citing a breakdown in trust and unmet promises.

A previous rift between the pair had appeared to be resolved in the summer. After a 15-month omission, the Leeds United winger returned as an injury replacement for March’s internationals, then went to the World Cup but featured only once for 19 minutes.

He said his stance was not about game time, but about how he was treated during the tournament, describing it as the hardest spell of his career so far.

Farke stressed the decision over Switzerland is entirely for Okafor and his family, and he does not intend to offer recommendations. He added that Leeds provide a home where the forward feels valued and that he will be a key player.

Source: Leeds Live

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