Manuel Akanji chokes back tears as Xhaka shares tough love after Euro 2024 penalty miss – Football News

Manuel Akanji chokes back tears as Xhaka shares tough love after Euro 2024 penalty miss

Granit Xhaka had solid words of advice for Manuel Akanji on Saturday (Image: Getty)

Manuel Akanji was visibly upset as he came out and faced the media after Switzerland’s gut-wrenching defeat to England. The Manchester City star’s miss in the penalty shootout proved costly as the Three Lions advanced to the Euro 2024 semi-finals.

Akanji had been a rock at the back for Switzerland on the run to the later rounds in Germany. But his tournament ended on a bitter note after Jordan Pickford saved his penalty in Dusseldorf.

All five England players converted from 12 yards, sending them through at Switzerland’s expense after a 1-1 stalemate at the end of extra-time. With red eyes and a croaky voice, Akanji said: “The disappointment is big now.

“It feels like I let the team down and let my whole country down. I tried to take responsibility, I had a good feeling I would score. But I showed [Pickford] the wrong corner and I didn’t shoot it precisely enough.”

With Kyle Walker and Phil Foden on the opposing team, Akanji had to watch on as his City team-mates celebrated knocking Switzerland out of Euro 2024. But the pair, along with one or two others in England’s ranks, showed their sportsmanship after Trent Alexander-Arnold’s winning penalty.

“Even players I’ve never played with came to speak to me afterwards,” Akanji continued. “I tried to say something back but the mood wasn’t the right one.

England v Switzerland: Quarter-Final - EURO 2024

Manuel Akanji’s shootout penalty was saved by Jordan Pickford (Image: Getty)

“I wish them good luck for the tournament and I hope my Manchester City team-mates stay healthy. That’s the most important thing, and we’ll see how far they go.”

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka was asked for his take on Akanji’s unsuccessful spot-kick, and the Arsenal man delivered a classy response. “It’s not the first one he’ll miss and it won’t be the last,” said the 31-year-old, handing his team-mate an important reality check.

“The player needs to be by himself for a bit first. But of course, Manu has the personality to be back stronger than ever. I know the feeling, I’ve had it before. These things make you stronger.

“If you don’t have this personality, you don’t play for a top club like Manchester City. He can be proud of himself. Forget the penalty, he played a great tournament and had a great season. I have a lot of respect for this guy.”

As Switzerland head home, England will soon turn their attention to a high-stakes semi-final against Holland, who beat Turkey 2-1 on Saturday night.

Source: https://www.express.co.uk/sport/football/1919895/manuel-akanji-granit-xhaka-euro-2024-switzerland-england