Switzerland boss hits back at Leeds United's Noah Okafor with 'I wasn't satisfied' admission | OneFootball

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has addressed Noah Okafor’s decision to step away from international duty, arguing that competition and form dictated his selections and that he was not convinced by the winger’s defensive work.

Speaking to 20min.ch, Yakin said Okafor missed March through injury and had also been injured before the World Cup, adding he did not know what promises might have been broken. He said, “I wasn’t satisfied with his defensive performances.”

The Leeds United winger announced earlier this month he would not represent Switzerland while Yakin remains in charge, citing broken trust and unkept promises at the World Cup. He also felt reactions to minor errors had hurt him.

Okafor was omitted from the latest Switzerland squad for the upcoming international break, with Yakin noting that others in his position were further along. The coach added that competition is fierce and he has plenty of options.

The 24-year-old came into the World Cup after an excellent Premier League campaign with Leeds, scoring eight goals and supplying one assist in 28 appearances, then missing the final three matches with a calf issue.

He played 19 minutes at the tournament in a group game against Algeria. After a 15-month absence, he returned to a March squad as an injury replacement but did not feature. Yakin said the door remains open and places can be earned through performances, with priority on motivated, team-first players.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk

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