Noah Okafor
Noah Okafor, the promising winger for Leeds United, has found himself in an unexpected situation during the international break. Despite his impressive form, scoring two goals in three games and becoming the club’s top scorer, Okafor remains at Thorp Arch while his teammates head off for international duties. The 24-cap Switzerland international’s absence from the national team has raised eyebrows, prompting questions about his relationship with the Swiss head coach, Murat Yakin.
Pierluigi Tami said: “That’s actually a question for [head coach] Murat Yakin. Murat has decided in his head who will be a regular starter and who won’t. It’s important to us that everyone in the national team is happy, regardless of what role the coach assigns them.”
Murat Yakin said: “At the moment, he lacks a bit of timing in his movements, some mechanisms need to be oiled. He is rarely a starter with his club. Especially for a striker, it is important to play and his limited playing time is certainly not optimal.”
Noah Okafor said: “I love playing for my country. Being allowed to be a national team player is something special. You don’t get it as a gift. Every minute with the national team jersey is precious, whether you collect it as a player in the starting XI or as a substitute. That’s why it hurts now to hear and read that I supposedly didn’t have a good attitude. I am being judged for my character, and it’s assumed that I didn’t give my all to play.”
The friction between Okafor and Yakin reportedly began before Euro 2024, when Yakin criticized AC Milan for deploying Okafor more as a striker than a left winger. During the tournament, Okafor did not play, and Switzerland exited in the Round of 16 after losing to England on penalties. Reports suggest Okafor bypassed Yakin by holding meetings directly with team director Pierluigi Tami, a move that allegedly displeased the head coach.
Despite these tensions, Yakin has stated that the door is not closed for Okafor, emphasizing that it is up to the player to prove himself. Okafor, on his part, has expressed his commitment to the national team and his desire to return. He has been vocal about his dedication to training and playing passionately, both for club and country.
With Okafor’s last appearance for Switzerland approaching a year ago, his performances at Leeds United could be crucial for a national team recall. Director Tami recently commented on Okafor’s start at Leeds, suggesting that strong club performances could pave the way for his return to the national setup.
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