Robin Gosens defends Granit Xhaka over Swiss camp toxicity claims | OneFootball

Robin Gosens has defended Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka amid Swiss media claims of a toxic atmosphere around their World Cup camp.

Blick reported the mood turned toxic after an opening draw with Qatar, linking unrest to Xhaka’s public criticism of team-mates.

Xhaka is skippering Switzerland in North America and has helped Murat Yakin’s side top their group and reach the last 32 next week.

The former Germany international questioned how anyone outside could know the dressing-room mood and dismissed such headlines as attention-seeking. He said a conversation with Remo Freuler underlined that the 33-year-old is crucial, looked up to, and the player who leads the way.

Gosens added that Xhaka’s earlier remarks had been blown out of proportion, arguing his leadership is evident on the pitch as he guides and organises the team, effectively acting as the manager’s right-hand man.

Xhaka has also addressed the claims, speaking after scoring in a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina last week. He said people know who he is, that he criticises himself before others, accepts his words can be perceived differently, and that what matters is the team being behind him and what happens on the pitch. He added he is in camp for success and will keep pursuing it.

Source: Sunderland Echo