“I packed my bags to spend a lot of time here”: Xhaka speaks to media ahead of EURO2024 opener

Captain Granit Xhaka and manager Murat Yakin addressed reporters from Cologne as they prepare to mount their Euros campaign tomorrow against Hungary.

The pair discussed expectations for the tournament, the opposition, and Xhaka’s own season…

What did Granit Xhaka say?

Xhaka has enjoyed an excellent season with Bayer Leverkusen and responded to comments from his Hungarian opponents not long before that picked him out as a key player for them to watch out for.

“Every congratulation from the opponents is a pleasure for me and if I am among the best in this position, it’s up to the others to say that. What’s important to me is to give 100% to help my team.

“It hasn’t been a perfect season because we lost the Europa League final – however it’s a new chapter, a new challenge, and we have new chance for the national team and Bayer Leverkusen going toward the new seasons. I’m looking forward to EURO2024 to start.”

When asked about his parameters for success in Germany this summer, Xhaka responded: “Those who know me know that I dont like to talk with if, buts, and hypotheses. I packed my luggage to spend a lot of time here. My motto is to go game after game, it has been like that with the club and it will be the same with the national team here.”

What did Murat Yakin say?

Yakin began his remarks by confirming that every player is in contention for selection for tomorrow’s opener, and he has planned his lineup. “Training has gone quite well, technically and tactically we’ve prepared for the opposition.

“They have many strong points. They have many strengths as a team, they proved their strength with results in the final games.

“We’ll have a very hard game ahead of us. Whats important is for us to be using our strong points, we hope that we’ll play a surprising match.”

“We respect everybody, we respect all opponents, we do not underestimate any opponent. Anybody participating in this European Championship deserved it by qualifying so [Hungary] are strong, it will be a very open duel with a lot of quality players on the pitch for both teams. So it will be a great game and may the best team win.”

Follow comprehensive coverage of their clash tomorrow, and every game of the tournament, here on FromTheSpot.