Xhaka Defends Erik ten Hag and Reveals Coaching Ambitions

Granit Xhaka Defends Erik ten Hag Amid Sunderland Move

Granit Xhaka Defends Erik ten Hag After Recent Criticism

Granit Xhaka has spoken out in strong support of Erik ten Hag, insisting that the former Manchester United manager was “never the problem” during his tenure. Xhaka, who recently made headlines with his transfer to Sunderland, believes that Ten Hag has been unfairly blamed for issues beyond his control and deserves more respect for his coaching abilities.

Xhaka Clears the Air on Ten Hag’s Role

Xhaka, currently excelling at Bayer Leverkusen, voiced his frustration over what he sees as a mischaracterization of Ten Hag’s role. “People are quick to point fingers without understanding the reality inside the club. Erik ten Hag was never the problem. He brought structure and ambition, but sometimes things simply don’t go your way,” Xhaka explained.

The Swiss midfielder’s public defense comes at a time when Ten Hag is under intense scrutiny. Xhaka’s words provide a fresh perspective and remind fans and pundits that the challenges facing a club cannot always be attributed to the coach alone.

Xhaka’s Sunderland Move Motivated by Coaching Aspirations

In a surprising twist, Xhaka also shed light on his recent transfer to Sunderland, a move many saw as unexpected for a player of his caliber. However, the 31-year-old revealed that the switch was a strategic step toward his long-term ambition of becoming a coach. “I’ve always wanted to understand football from different angles. Playing at Sunderland, in a new environment, will give me insights that are vital for my future as a manager,” Xhaka stated.

He continued, “Experiencing English football outside of the Premier League will help me grow, both on and off the pitch. I want to bring something new to the game when I eventually transition to coaching.”

Setting the Record Straight: Xhaka’s Perspective on Club Dynamics

Xhaka emphasized that clubs are complex organizations and that coaches often become scapegoats for deeper issues. “We see it too often—when results aren’t coming, the coach is the first to go. But football is more complicated than that. Erik ten Hag tried to implement a vision, but it takes time and support from everyone.”

His comments serve as a reminder that successful teams are built on collaboration and understanding, not just leadership from the top.

What Xhaka’s Views Mean for Football’s Future

Xhaka’s thoughtful remarks not only defend Erik ten Hag but also highlight the importance of giving managers time to establish their philosophy. His career move to Sunderland underlines a growing trend of players preparing early for coaching roles by embracing diverse experiences.

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Opinion: Xhaka’s Approach Sets a Positive Example

Granit Xhaka’s willingness to stand up for Erik ten Hag and his proactive steps toward a coaching career are both admirable. His attitude underscores the value of looking beyond surface-level judgments and investing in long-term growth—a mentality that could benefit football at every level.