Switzerland boss addresses Noah Okafor after Leeds United winger’s statement | OneFootball

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has taken issue with Noah Okafor’s public boycott of national team selection, saying places depend on performance, per Blick.

Last week the Leeds United winger ruled himself out while Yakin remains in charge, alleging broken trust and unkept promises, and stressing this stems from his treatment at the World Cup rather than minutes.

Their rift dates back to Euro 2024, when Okafor did not feature. During that tournament Yakin said talking was no use and the forward had to deliver on the pitch.

At this summer’s World Cup he played only 19 minutes, against Algeria in the first knockout round, as Switzerland reached the quarter-finals. A clip of Yakin slamming a water bottle after an Okafor error in that game resurfaced after the player’s withdrawal, with Switzerland 2-0 up and two minutes of added time left.

Yakin was unimpressed with Okafor’s defensive work and said public complaints do not help. He noted the winger was injured before the World Cup and again in March, said he could not speak to any past promises, and underlined that everyone must earn selection.

He also highlighted strong competition in wide areas and said newer faces can lead the team. The coach has two years left on his deal and has guided Switzerland to their first World Cup last eight since 1954. For Leeds, the upside is that a key player prone to injury will rest during international windows, with Daniel Farke maintaining Okafor has a home at Elland Road.

Source: Leeds Live

“Artificial intelligence was used to assist in creating this article based on reporting from the original source quoted.”