Manuel Akanji says there are no serious problems within the Switzerland squad despite recent tensions involving striker Breel Embolo and the Swiss Football Association.
Speaking on the third day of Switzerland’s training camp at FC St. Gallen 1879, defender Akanji acknowledged that he has a different leadership style from Granit Xhaka, who has also worn the captain’s armband.
“I’m not like Xhaka, we have different characteristics. He’s more outgoing and direct than I am. Sometimes I let things go,” said Akanji, who is serving as interim captain.
The Internazionale defender said his priorities remain aligned with those of Xhaka, as Switzerland prepare for their upcoming matches.
“The main goal is to secure qualification in the first match, and then return to League A of the UEFA Nations League,” he said.
Switzerland have won all four of their matches so far, giving them a strong platform from which to achieve those targets.
There had previously been tension around Embolo, who criticised the Swiss Football Association in an interview with a CH Media newspaper. He was left out of the squad at the last minute before the September training camp after purchasing a forged COVID certificate.
Akanji said Embolo had been able to raise his concerns and that some matters had since been addressed.
“Some things made him unhappy, and he has raised them. Some internal issues have also been resolved,” he said.
However, Akanji stressed that the situation was primarily between Embolo and the Swiss Football Association, rather than evidence of a major problem among the players.
“It’s rather a matter between the Swiss Football Association and Embolo than a serious problem within the team,” he said.
Akanji also said he understood why Embolo had spoken out, describing the forward as a close friend.
“He is a good friend of mine, and I support him in almost everything. So I understand him,” he added.
Switzerland have also welcomed several new players in recent months, many of them from French-speaking regions. That has prompted questions over whether a cultural divide could develop within the squad.
Akanji rejected that suggestion, although he admitted players need to make an effort to communicate across language differences.
“I don’t see any problems. We have to adapt, and we can try to understand French. For now, I’m communicating quite well with them,” said the defender.
He said the squad’s differing linguistic backgrounds had not created a serious obstacle as the team continue their preparations.
