Granit Xhaka hits back in World Cup war after 'toxic' criticism

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Cameron Smith | Digital Content Producer

Accredited sports journalist covering football since 2020

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka hit back at critics with a pointed goal celebration after he netted a 97th minute penalty to secure a 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina on Thursday evening.

The Sunderland midfielder was accused of creating a “toxic” and “negative” environment within the Switzerland camp ahead of their second group stage match, and he mimicked a talking motion with his hand after slotting past Nikola Vasilj to score his 18th national team goal in 148 caps.

After their 1-1 draw against Qatar on Saturday, Xhaka told reporters: “You can talk a lot. Now we have to act. He also suggested that some players were playing for themselves and blamed the team’s lack of discipline after conceding a stoppage time equaliser.

German publication BILD then reported that his comments weren’t received well by his Switzerland team-mates, many of whom felt his words were far too negative, with Xhaka having also used the media to take aim at the squad following their 1-1 warm-up friendly draw versus Australia.

Despite the heavy criticism directed at the Switzerland captain, Xhaka was once again named in the starting XI against Bosnia, and he played the entire match as Murat Yakin’s side took one giant leap towards the knockout stages thanks to a 4-1 victory.

What has Granit Xhaka said?

Speaking to reporters after the match, Xhaka said: “If praise is due, then I'll give it. If it's bad, I'll criticize it too. We saw a strong Switzerland. We were a unit, with and without the ball. We also made some dirty runs and won important challenges.

“We played a very good game for 90 minutes. We knew we had to perform as a unit. Yes, we have individual quality in the team. Today, those who came on made the difference. We need every single player. We also had to be mentally prepared, even if you weren't playing from the start.”

Asked about the criticism he has received in recent days, Xhaka added: “People know who I am. There are certain people who can't handle criticism. And I'm someone who criticizes myself before criticizing someone else. It always comes across differently when I say something – but I don't know any different.

“Switzerland can be proud to have a player with 148 caps, for the colors, for the nation, and with pure pride behind it. But maybe I need that; I do provoke a bit. What's important to me is that the team is behind me.

“We have to perform together; everything else has never interested me. What counts is what happens on the pitch. It's not always easy. I'd be lying if I said it was all good and no good. It hurts because there are things I don't understand.

“A lot has been written. There was a big article the day before yesterday that didn't go unnoticed. But for me, what matters is what I can influence on the pitch – I can't influence anything else. I don't get the feeling that anyone, even one percent, isn't behind me. I am here for success, and I will continue to seek it as long as I am here.”

Meanwhile, Switzerland boss Yakin admitted: “It wasn't pleasant for Granit. He's the captain and takes responsibility; he was the conductor on the pitch – just what we know from Granit. It's clear that there was a barrage of criticism after the 1-1 draw, but that makes it all the more wonderful and important that he led the team to victory.”