Granit Xhaka has clarified that his departure from Bayer Leverkusen had nothing to do with coach Erik ten Hag, but was instead a decision driven by his ambition to build a future career in management.
Following Ten Hag’s appointment at Bayer Leverkusen, the Dutch coach tried to convince the Swiss-Albanian midfielder to stay at the club, and at first, Xhaka had decided to continue. However, everything changed after Sunderland’s offer.
Xhaka emphasized that he had “clear and honest talks” with Ten Hag and does not understand why some are blaming the coach for his exit.
Speaking about the reasons behind his move to Sunderland, the 32-year-old midfielder highlighted the club’s history and the difficult periods it has gone through, which personally resonated with him.
Despite initial disagreements, he chose to join the English club after feeling that the environment there offered him the ideal opportunity to shape his path toward a coaching career.
“What bothers me is that Erik is being portrayed as the problem. He was never the problem, never. He called me after three or four weeks because he didn’t want to disturb me during the holidays,” said Xhaka.
“I had a very good conversation with him. He knew I was considering an interesting offer. Maybe he felt he could lose me. But our communication was always direct and honest. I would have played as captain under him.”
Xhaka added that the experience at Sunderland will be valuable for his future as a coach. “I believe this experience will be the most valuable one for my future. Why? Because I want to pursue a career as a coach. That’s why it’s important to experience moments of struggle and solidarity,” he continued.
“We will have to suffer a lot in the coming months. This is another side of football, but it’s part of it, and it will shape me. Moreover, Sunderland did everything, absolutely everything, to bring me back to England.”
“When a club gives you such feelings, it’s almost impossible not to consider it. I was deeply touched by the people in charge. I couldn’t say no,” Xhaka concluded.
