Bayer Leverkusen lost success coach Xabi Alonso this summer, the super talent who already delivers world-class, Florian Wirtz, plus defensive general Tah and playmaker on the wing, Frimpong. Two weeks ago, another key player disappeared in Xhaka, who for the past two seasons has the title and 2nd place in the Bundesliga. For the club a big loss, for Sunderland a signing of a new manager.
Granit Xhaka will wear the captain’s armband at Sunderland, two weeks after signing. Newly promoted Sunderland with Regis le Bris at the helm saw Leicester, Ipswich and Southampton all relegated directly last season. To push and guide the team and the eleven chosen in the match arena, Sunderland must have a leader who has stood in the biggest games. Xhaka is that player.
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The Swiss international wore the captain’s armband at Arsenal under Unai Emery’s leadership, but was stripped of responsibility in 2019, partly after a controversy with the club’s supporters. Six years later, it is a captain who will use the combination of leadership skills, experience and winning mentality to guide the Sunderland players in the world’s toughest league.
“People who know me know exactly what they’re getting. I am a person who sets high standards. I’m a winner and I want to win – and I expect the same from my teammates,” Xhaka told Sunderland’s website.
A good choice, Sunderland.
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