Switzerland boss hits back at Leeds United's Noah Okafor with 'I wasn't satisfied' admission
The Leeds United winger stepped back from representing Switzerland earlier this month.
Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has responded to the decision of Leeds United winger Noah Okafor to step away from international football.
Okafor announced his decision to step down from representing the Swiss national team in a lengthy statement earlier this month. The Leeds star said he would not play for his country so long as Yakin is in charge after he felt ‘trust was broken’ and ‘promises were not kept’ at the World Cup.
The Whites winger was subsequently left out of the Switzerland squad for the upcoming international break with Yakin quizzed on the ongoing feud in his press conference. The international boss insists other players in Okafor’s position were ‘further along’ but admits he doesn’t know what promises were broken.
"In March, he didn't play because he was injured,” Yakin is quoted as saying by 20min.ch. “He was also injured before the World Cup. I don't know what promises or agreements might have been broken.
“At that time, other players were much further along than him. He had the opportunity to play, and I assessed his performance."
Okafor went into the World Cup off the back of an excellent Premier League campaign with Leeds, registering eight goals and one assist in 28 appearances. The speedy winger didn’t feature in any of the final three games of the season due to a calf injury.
Okafor played 19 minutes during the World Cup in a group game against Algeria. In the statement confirming his decision to step back, the Leeds man claimed ‘people reacted to minor mistakes far away from our goal in a way that hurt me deeply.’
"I wasn't satisfied with his defensive performances," Yakin explained. "The competition is fierce, and I have plenty of good players available. I'm always open to discussion, but speaking publicly has never had a positive effect on me."
Okafor only returned to the Swiss national team after a 15-month exile in March, albeit as an injury replacement and without actually playing. Yakin was asked whether the door would remain open for the Leeds man should he decide to return.
"Everyone can earn their place in the squad again through their performances,” the Switzerland boss added. “The rule is the same for everyone.
“We currently have competition for his position, especially from young players who are determined to be there and play for their country. I'm counting on those who are motivated, who put the team and its success before their own personal interests."