Former Arsenal midfielder Xhaka has been a key factor in Sunderland's strong start this season as they fight against relegation after their promotion to the Premier League this season.
He now enters the international break for World Cup qualifiers against Sweden and Kosovo as Switzerland aim to book their place in next year’s competition.
Xhaka furious with Okafor
However, Leeds star Okafor has been snubbed by Swiss manager Murat Yakin and let his feelings known this week which has upset the Sunderland midfielder.
"Since then, I never spoke with the coach, not even a phone call or a message, also with the (Swiss Football Association’s) sporting director Pierluigi Tami," he explained.
"They don’t even call me or ask me. For me, it makes no sense. I can say it makes me sad because they don’t even text me or call me to see how I am. For example, when I moved to Leeds, ‘Congrats’ or something like that, because I play now in the best league in the world."
In an interview with Blick, Xhaka hit back at Okafor, who he says must keep his mouth shut and work harder so he is the first name on Yakin’s team sheet.
"I had a phone conversation with Noah before his interview. Naturally, the national team was also a topic of discussion. It’s difficult for me to comment on this topic at all without knowing all the details. He was given opportunities at the European Championship and the World Cup. For my part, I would realistically assess the situation: Why am I not making it? Why am I not in the squad?
“Noah has great potential. He hasn’t shown it often enough in recent years. He’s really coming into his own now at Leeds. The league suits him. Nevertheless, Noah could play a role in the future if he gets a better handle on certain things. Sometimes you have to look down, shut up, and work. That applies to everyone, including me. In the end, performance on the pitch is what counts.”
Okafor must lock in
Okafor’s comments have sent also infuriated team director Pierluigi Tami who much like Xhaka, believes that the Leeds prodigy must focus on his game and show his worth rather than complaining.
"This statement is not welcome. The timing is bad. The manner is wrong. If a player has a problem with a coach, he should only speak to him. You can always call him, talk to him," he told Blick.
"I have absolutely no understanding for what he did. He needs to be patient and humble. And above all, he must put the team before his personal problems. The national team must come first. o be called up, a player must perform well at club level and be in line with the coach’s needs. Both criteria must be met. Currently, in Noah’s case, they aren’t, according to the coaching staff. We’re not even talking about his footballing abilities."