Leeds United man addresses 'time bomb' suggestion and World Cup gametime feelings after coach chat

Noah Okafor has been here before with Switzerland. The winger, whose impressive debut season in the Premier League brought eight goals and an assist, did not play a single minute of action at Euro 2024 and remained on the bench for all five of Switzerland's games as they went out to England in the quarter-finals. His coach then, just as now, was Murat Yakin. And history has repeated so far at the 2026 World Cup. Okafor is yet to get onto the pitch for the Swiss, who face Algeria in the knockouts.

The Leeds man was described by SRF commentator Sascha Ruefer as a 'ticking time bomb' but when put in front of the media to preview the round of 32 game, Okafor did his utmost to dispel suggestions that he's problematically angry.

"I'm perhaps a little annoyed because every player wants to play," he said. "So far, it hasn't happened. But that's football, and I'm trying to stay focused and wait for my chance. 'Expectation' is a big word. We have a 26-man squad. I know where my strengths lie and how I can help the team. That's what I train for every day. You can make five substitutions; I'm ready.

"I didn't play in the Euros. I was younger then and made a few mistakes. You could see it in my body language. I've taken a step forward both as a person and as a footballer. It's normal to be annoyed or frustrated when you don't get any playing time. But like I said, I'm positive and happy for the team."

When asked directly if he was as Ruefer described, Okafor responded: "I'm not. I'm happy to be here, healthy, fit, and I'm trying to support the team as best I can, both on and off the pitch. I'm in a good mood, as you can probably see from my smile."

Okafor's preparations for the tournament were hit by a late-season injury, but in general his decision to swap AC Milan for the Premier League has turned out well so far.

"It was a considered and planned move to Leeds," he said. "It's been good for me to play week after week and get back to my best level. I've also mentioned that I've made great progress as a person. I also have a relationship with my family. They help me improve things that weren't good in the past.

"I felt really good, then I had a minor issue with my calf, nothing serious. It lasted just under three weeks. Leeds wasn't really at stake anymore, so I took it easy for the World Cup. Then I did some individual training as a precaution. Now I'm in top shape. I had a minor muscle injury in my calf. I did a lot of therapy and increased the intensity day by day. I joined the national team with a minor calf injury. The agreement was to train individually at first. But that's over now, I'm fully fit."

Okafor revealed that Yakin explained why he didn't use the winger in the game against Canada which saw them top their group, having previously planned to start him. His hope is that he can get on to play some role in sending Switzerland into the next round.

"I spoke with Murat Yakin today," said the Leeds man. "He explained to me why I didn't play against Canada; I was supposed to be in the starting line-up. But that's football. Things can always change during the game. Everyone wants to play, otherwise they'd be in the wrong profession. I haven't played yet, but I'm really happy about the team and advancing. I try to give it my all in training every day and hope for my chance. In the end, the coach decides, but I'm 100 percent ready."

"[My hope is] we go as far as possible and that I can contribute my part, be it a few minutes, an assist, or a goal. It doesn't matter, the main thing is that we are successful as a team."