Noah Okafor’s lack of minutes for Switzerland this summer has caused confusion and annoyance back in his homeland following his impressive performances or Leeds United this season.
Blick report on the situation and the growing sense of disappointment over the 26-year-old’s apparent exclusion.
Surprising exclusion
Noah Okafor headed into the tournament this summer in confident mood after eight goals and three assists in 34 games in all competitions for Leeds.
But he is yet to see a minute of action for the national team, sitting on their bench in group games against Qatar, Bosnia and Canada so far.
The forward has not been needed as the Swiss have progressed to the knockout stages. But Blick expert Blerim Dzemaili believes that the Leeds man won’t be happy.
“Now that Okafor is back after his strong season and the issues with Murat Yakin have been resolved, I don’t understand why he hasn’t played at all so far,” he said.
Leeds man needs explanation
He believes that the Switzerland coach owes the Leeds forward, and others, an explanation in the coming days.
“Murat needs to have some very constructive discussions over the next few days,” he added.
. “If, as a player, you keep hearing that your chance is coming but never see it reflected in playing time, eventually your credibility suffers too.”
He then questioned whether the Leeds star is even fit at this moment in time. And if he isn’t, why was he included in the squad for the World Cup at all.
“Is Noah Okafor even 100 per cent fit?” he questioned.
“Why would I take him along at all, then? It makes little sense for a tournament that lasts only a few weeks.
“On the contrary: he had an immediate impact on the game (before the World Cup). So, there must be another reason why he has played virtually no part so far. We don’t know what that is, though.”
