Granit Xhaka looks back on the round of 16 victory against Italy with great satisfaction. The 32-year-old assesses the success, talks about his state of health and gives an insight into life in the team.
30.06.2024, 20:28
30.06.2024, 21:11
SDA
Granit Xhaka, there was a moment of shock in the match against Italy when you went down unintentionally. What happened then?
"We practised penalties before the game against Italy, of course. I felt a pull in my left adductor and then had to train individually on Thursday. In the game, I felt something again after a quarter of an hour. Fortunately, we had a good team of doctors with us who were able to provide me with the right treatment. I was even able to play through after that. Of course I felt the pain again the next day. But we now have a week to cure it."
How did you experience the dominant performance against the European champions afterwards?
"I'm very proud of the team. What we achieved is something very special. Not because of the result, but because of the way we achieved it. We still remember the 3-0 defeat against Italy three years ago. That pain was still there. To respond with such energy, intensity and discipline was a great satisfaction."
Is Switzerland now a secret favorite?
"I wouldn't count us among the favorites. But our journey is certainly not over yet. And I can promise that we'll give everything we've got to get as far as possible."
As captain, how do you deal with players like Xherdan Shaqiri or Noah Okafor who want a bigger role?
"When you have such a good team, it's normal that not everyone can be on the pitch. Then all that matters is that you continue to give your all. You have to try to make it as difficult as possible for the coach by performing well in training. The important thing is to stay positive and wait for your chance. Fabian Rieder is the best example: he got his chance against Germany and took it straight away. Shaq is experienced enough to deal with that. Noah is certainly a bit more impatient. We try to accompany the boys, to help them. And when you see how happy everyone was against Italy, you realize that there's no negativity in the team."
The reward for reaching the quarter-finals was a kebab. How did it taste?
"It was good to eat a kebab again after about 30 days. Many players even treated themselves to a second one. It was excellent, super quality. Many thanks to Breel, who organized it. And many thanks to the nutritionists who allowed us to do so. Otherwise, there are always strict rules when it comes to food."
