It is 03:30 on Friday evening when Taulant Xhaka puts down his mobile phone. Before that, sleeping is out of the question. Behind the FCB veteran is a day full of emotions: first the end of the quarrel between him and red-blue, resulting in a contract extension until 2027. And then another magical European Cup evening in Joggeli against Trabzonspor. The day after, Blick met with the 31-year-old for an exclusive interview.
Where do you place the progression against Trabzon in the long list of your successes with FCB?
Taulant Xhaka: Gameplay and emotions, it was great. The game makes the top five alongside the 1-1 draw at Liverpool in December 2014 and the 1-0 home win over Manchester United in 2017.
A week ago your world looked anything but rosy…
You mean the discussions about my contract?
Precisely.
To be fair, it was a tough time. I feel fit Hanging up your shoes in 2024 is no problem. But a few days ago I had the feeling that FCB could expect that from me. Wear another shirt? I do not want that! For me there is only the FCB! I was disappointed and didn’t feel valued enough. Fortunately, it all turned out to be a misunderstanding.
So easy?
We had three conversations. In the first, David Degen promised me that a deserving player like me would be able to choose the end of his career. The second was about my future role as a player. As I understand it, next season I will not be used to much. And interpreted from this that FCB is pushing me to end my career. In the third conversation we started from scratch again and quickly found each other. With FCB I determine the end myself. And it’s up to me to force myself on the coach for assignments.
But the prospect remains that you will have to line up behind others in midfield next season?
With my emotions, my tackling skills and my commitment, I can continue to give the team a lot on the field in the future. I am aware that I will not play all the games until 2027. But especially this season shows that I can be valuable not only as a person, but also in sport.
Have you been angry with President David Degen?
I was disappointed because this very misunderstanding was in the air and had not been fully discussed. And also because after the second conversation there was no contact for a long time. If we had been back together sooner, it wouldn’t have come to this, we all realized that. The last conversation before the contract renewal was familiar and cordial, not at all like a business meeting. He explained his position to me, and then I realized that we are not that far apart.
Are you giving up money with the new contract?
FCB met me and I met FCB. I never cared about the money. I just wanted the certainty that I can decide for myself how long I play. And that will be longer than 2024.
Actually until 2027?
It depends on the body and my motivation. When I realize in two years that it is no longer possible, I will stop. I will be honest with myself and with FCB.
With you, the club retains a lot of FCB DNA. Want more of this in the future?
I hope so. Players who were born here and remain loyal to the club. Unfortunately, it is rare for a player to spend his entire career with his home club.
Your brother Granit also has FCB DNA. With the contract extension, the desire to wear the red-blue jersey with him becomes more realistic again.
We often talk about it. He is tied to Arsenal until 2024, possibly with another year. But then it could be, but then it has to come in 2026 at the latest (laughs). It is also his wish to play for FCB with me again. Even if it’s just for ten minutes, I’ll do anything for it.
And then you become a coach?
Player advisor would also be exciting, but right now I’m leaning towards the coaching job. The plan is to do the training and take the first steps with the youth team of FCB.
There is already a famous brother-coach duo with Niko and Robert Kovac. Can you and Granit imagine that too?
We’ve talked about that too. A nice idea. Granit has already started training.
Who will be boss and who will be assistant?
Clear granite in charge. He already thinks like a coach today. I’m the easygoing type, always up for a joke – and would therefore be the ideal connection between Granit and the players.
Speaking of coaches: FCB is currently looking for one. How do you think it should be?
Like Heiko Bird! It’s not easy for him in the dual role of head of sport and trainer, but he puts in a tremendous amount of work and knows when to be serious and when to relax. All players have regained their confidence. We also played well under Alex Frei, but the results were not good, which logically affects the atmosphere. I owe a lot to Alex, when I joined the pros as a junior he was always there to listen. He is a fantastic person and a good coach and will be very successful in the future.
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Source : Blick
I’m Emma Jack, a news website author at 24 News Reporters. I have been in the industry for over five years and it has been an incredible journey so far. I specialize in sports reporting and am highly knowledgeable about the latest trends and developments in this field.
