Leeds United forward Noah Okafor should have kept his issues with the Switzerland set up quiet, as going public rarely works out.
That’s according to Thomas Hitzelsperger, speaking to Blick. He believes the Leeds man made a mistake in going public with his grievances.
Okafor finds himself out of the Switzerland picture at this moment in time following a very public falling out with the management. He has 24 appearances for his country since making his debut in 2019.
But his last appearance for them came back in November 2024, in a 3-2 loss to Spain in the UEFA Nations League. A very public falling out with the country’s management before that has led to his expulsion since.
The issue stems back to Euro 2024, when he was left sat on the bench for the entire tournament. This caused some disillusionment and an eventual disagreement with manager Murat Yakin.
That’s been developing since, with Okafor regularly criticised back in his homeland. That started in October, when an article in Blick seriously questioned his attitude.
There have been numerous articles since, with Yakin even responding. He has spoken to Okafor, and is hoping that the Leeds man listens to what he’s said. A lengthy article from Switzerland followed that, criticising the player once again.
Then came a press conference from Switzerland national team director Pierluigi Tami. He urged the Leeds forward to be humble as he tried to push the rift out of the spotlight.
Leeds United player offered olive branch
Yakin then offered an olive branch this month. He insisted he wasn’t taking Okafor’s comments personally and there could be a way back for the Leeds man in future. Now Hitzlsperger has had his say, and he believes Okafor was wrong to go public with his grievances.
“In my opinion, problems should always be addressed internally first,” he said.
“Public criticism of the coach and the federation rarely leads to immediate recall. Whether the player decided to give the interview on his own or was encouraged by those around him, I can’t say.”
