Manager launches blistering attack on Leeds star as row escalates: “What promises weren’t kept?”

Leeds United have made a brilliant unbeaten start to their Premier League season and sit third in the table after four league games.

However, one of their players is attracting negative headlines, which is something Leeds would have preferred to avoid, given how good they have been on the pitch.

Noah Okafor shocked everyone last week when he made himself unavailable for Switzerland as long as Murat Yakin remains the national team’s head coach.

He hardly got a chance during the World Cup, and the row has now escalated after Yakin responded to the Leeds winger’s allegations of broken promises.

Read More: Leeds star called out in live press conference over national team controversy: “He went public”

The Swiss boss has launched a scathing attack on the Leeds star

Okafor insisted that his decision to step back from international football was not just about getting adequate opportunities during the World Cup, but also about broken promises.

However, Yakin pointed out that Okafor didn’t play in March because he was injured, and he was also carrying another injury ahead of the World Cup.

He said the winger didn’t play because other players were fitter.

“In March, he didn’t play because he was injured”, Yakin was quoted as saying by Sport Witness.

“He was also injured before the World Cup. I don’t know what promises or agreements supposedly weren’t kept. At that time, other players were much further along than he was. He had the opportunity to play, and I evaluated his performances.”

The Swiss boss was also not impressed with his defensive work in the 19 minutes he played against Algeria in the last 32 clash, and he felt other players deserved more opportunities.

He didn’t close the door on Okafor’s return but insisted he would only prioritise players ready to commit to the team rather than pursue their own interests.

“I wasn’t satisfied with his defensive work”, Yakin added.

“Competition is fierce, and I have plenty of good players at my disposal. I am always open to discussion, but speaking out publicly has never had a positive effect on me.”

“We currently have competition for his position, particularly from young players who are desperate to be here and play for their country. I am counting on those who are motivated—those who put the team and its success ahead of their own personal interests.”

Read More: Manager left fuming as fallout with Leeds United star is laid bare

Okafor faces a long exile from Switzerland

This is not the first time Okafor has crashed with Murat Yakin in recent years, but this could be the last unless there is a sudden change of heart.

Yakin has indicated that he is not interested in convincing the Leeds star to return after his public outburst, and the player’s statement also makes it clear that he does not want to play for the Swiss coach.

But the problem for Okafor is that Yakin has been in charge of Switzerland since 2021, and there is no indication that a change is going to happen any time soon.

Switzerland have met expectations under the head coach, and there is no reason for the Swiss FA to change managers at the moment.

Okafor does not have enough credit in his bank to usher in a change of head coach in Switzerland, as he has not been a major player for them.

For now, it does not seem the Leeds winger will play for Switzerland any time soon.