Granit Xhaka, the captain of the Switzerland national team, has recently stated that his relationship with manager Murat Yakin has significantly improved. He mentioned that over the past few months, they have been able to work well together and have even shared meals and drinks. This comes after reports of tension between the players and the coach following a poor qualifying campaign.
Qualifying Campaign Struggles
During the qualifying campaign for Euro 2024, Switzerland faced challenges as they only managed to beat Andorra in their last eight matches. The team also struggled to maintain leads and ended up finishing second in their group. This led to rumors of disagreements between the coach and players, sparking calls for Yakin to be fired.
Positive Outlook
Despite the setbacks during the qualifying campaign, Xhaka remains optimistic about their chances in the upcoming tournament. He emphasized the importance of having a coach who is willing to listen to the players and engage in discussions. Xhaka, known for his fiery temperament in the past, has shown a more mature side since moving away from Arsenal.
Both Xhaka and Yakin share a common goal of achieving success for themselves and the team. Their improved relationship has paved the way for better communication and understanding on and off the field. Xhaka’s experience and leadership are expected to be key factors in Switzerland’s performance in Euro 2024.
Switzerland will kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Hungary, a team considered dark horses in the tournament. With tough opponents like Scotland and hosts Germany also in their group, Xhaka remained cautious when discussing their chances. He stressed the importance of focusing on the present and taking each game as it comes.
Overall, the improved relationship between Granit Xhaka and coach Murat Yakin bodes well for Switzerland as they aim to continue their streak of reaching the knockout stages in major tournaments. With a renewed sense of collaboration and determination, the team is poised to make an impact in Euro 2024.