‘How on earth?’ Robin Gosens defends Sunderland international over toxic Switzerland camp claims | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Robin Gosens has defended Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka after suggestions from Switzerland that he is fostering a toxic atmosphere around the national team. The debate has flared during the World Cup in North America.

Xhaka is skippering Murat Yakin’s side, who have topped their group and reached the last 32 next week. After an opening draw with Qatar, Swiss outlet Blick described the camp mood as toxic and linked unrest to Xhaka publicly criticising team-mates.

Speaking on ARD, Gosens questioned how anyone could know the atmosphere was toxic, arguing that attention-grabbing headlines often lack dressing-room insight and that he does not put much stock in them.

He said Remo Freuler had told him Xhaka is crucial, the player team-mates follow, and the one who sets the standard. Gosens added that Xhaka’s initial remarks were overstated, insisting his leadership is evident on the pitch as he directs play, guides positioning and effectively acts as the manager’s right-hand man.

Xhaka has also responded to the claims, speaking after scoring in a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week. He said people know his character, that he challenges himself before others, and that some struggle with criticism, adding his words can be received differently. He stressed that what happens on the pitch matters, that he feels full backing from the team with not even one per cent of dissent, and that he will keep pursuing success.

Source: Sunderland Echo