Switzerland national coach Vladimir Petković has spoken about Granit Xhaka and defended him in a recent interview released earlier this week.
Petkovic recently talked to media outlet Blick about the Swiss national team’s performance this year when he was asked about the criticism Xhaka continues to face at Arsenal.
Granit Xhaka had received a straight red card in Arsenal’s league fixture against Burnley for excessive aggressive behaviour by choking Ashley Westwood in the second half.
Petkovic revealed he was confident that Xhaka will come back stronger after being questioned about the incident, “Granit knows that it was unnecessary and unfortunate. But that’s how it is in life, when things don’t go well, things like that happen. Granite is an emotional type – the opponents know that too and may provoke him. Either way: I am convinced that he will draw his right conclusions from this case too and will come back even stronger. He’ll react differently next time.”
Former Manchester United left-back Patrice Evra had proclaimed that Thierry Henry turned off the television and said: “I can’t watch my team when Xhaka is captain.”
When asked about Evra’s comments, Petkovic maintained that he would always back his player, ”Even before the action there was criticism in England, from opinion leaders and TV experts. As Vlado Petkovic, I can only say: Granit knows that I am always at his side. He has my complete support. I am always there for him, as a person and a friend.”
He added he did not feel Xhaka needed a move away from Arsenal, and refused to comment on speculation of a move to Germany for the midfielder, “I don’t want to go that far. These are the things Granit, his family and management need to know best and decide. Sure, a lot has happened to Granit in Arsenal. And in football, you’re always looking for someone to blame. Then it is easier to approach strong personalities – you also do that as a trainer to set an example. And as a journalist anyway.”
Granit Xhaka put in a splendid performance against Chelsea last on Boxing Day scoring a sublime free-kick but faced severe backlash for his post-match comments. Xhaka claimed he was targeted and focused on his critics in the post-match interview, “There was a lot of speaking after the red card. A lot of people started speaking again… and again and again.”
“I will always show my character. I was very disappointed about my red card and I knew what I did was wrong for my side. But I am more than happy. I helped the team and I am back.”
After over five years at Arsenal, the midfielder is yet to justify the £40.5m spent on him and has refused to learn from his previous mistakes and discipline issues. His comments after the match against Chelsea clearly suggested he felt a sense of victimhood, taking shots at his critics instead of admitting his mistakes.
However Mikel Arteta still remains confident in the Swiss international despite several sub-par performances and it remains to be seen how the midfielder’s season will pan out.
