'A privilege, a challenge' – Granit Xhaka opens up on Sunderland, the derby and why he chose Wearside

Granit Xhaka has played in some of European football’s fiercest rivalries, lifted league titles and featured on the biggest international stages – but Sunderland’s Wear-Tyne derby victory over Newcastle United left a lasting mark.

Speaking candidly after the win, the Black Cats captain reflected on the emotion of his first derby on Wearside, the connection he has already built with the club and its supporters, and the challenge that convinced him to leave a Champions League side for a newly promoted team. Xhaka also opened up on leadership, expectations and why Sunderland feels like home.

How are you feeling after the derby win?

Xhaka: “Yeah, maybe it doesn’t look like I’m happy, but I’m very happy inside for sure. Of course, special game, special derby, but in the end it’s just three points, not more and not less. We did our best and I think we deserved the three points as well.”

Why was it so special?

Xhaka: “Because it was the first time after so many years in the Premier League to play against each other. It was my first derby for this amazing football club as well. Just to be part of this game is a big privilege. All week was special. We saw many videos on social media about how this rivalry has always been. To be part of this game, of this club, with the fans, before Christmas, and to give them three points – the wish was nothing more than that.”

Your celebration when the goal went in showed what it meant to you.

Xhaka: “Of course ,it means a lot because you have the pressure. I think the pressure was a little bit more on our side because we were playing at home. We also had players who were here two or three years ago when they lost at home against Newcastle. So it was an emotional game for myself as well.

“I’ve played many derbies in my career, but this one was very special during the week. You wish that everything goes well. Derbies are here to celebrate, to bring emotions with the fans. When we scored, you saw the faces of the fans – just wow. You get a lot of emotions from that.”

Your Instagram posts afterwards struck a chord with supporters. Has Sunderland crept into your heart quickly?

Xhaka: “Yes, because I see myself in the people here. Sunderland is a small city with huge people, with big hearts. They were struggling like I did when I grew up. The connection between the city, the fans and myself was there from the first days.

“It’s a privilege to be part of this football club. You dream to have this connection. I just want to give them, day by day and game by game, something back, so they remember that we were here, we stuck together and achieved good things together.”

Many questioned your move from a title-winning side to a newly promoted club. What convinced you?

Xhaka: “There were many positive points. When I first spoke with the owner, sporting director and coach, I decided very quickly that I wanted to be here. Of course, there were negative voices from outside, asking why I would move from a champion, from a Champions League club, to a promoted club.

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“But I love challenges, and I knew this would be the biggest challenge of my career. When you speak with people and feel that positive energy and connection, you just want to be part of the project and give something back.”

What was Sunderland’s objective at the start of the season?

Xhaka: “The goal is still the same: think day by day and game by game. Get as many points as possible and forget the table. In the dressing room nobody is speaking about the table. Nobody has won or lost anything yet. Where we are is deserved because we are working hard. There are still 22 games to play, so let’s work, let’s believe and see where we end.”

How do you view your influence on the team so far?

Xhaka: “I’m just trying to give the club and my teammates my experience and quality. Alone, no chance – football is not tennis. You need connection between the players, the coaches, the staff. We arrived not so long ago, but the connection was there straight away. That’s very positive and important to survive in this league.”

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You’ve covered more ground than any player in the league. How have you maintained that level?

Xhaka: “Before I signed here, I knew the Premier League is different. You need to be physically 120% fit, strong in your head. It’s about work, mentality, eating well, sleeping well and recovering properly. Thanks God everything is going well.”

Finally, on the international stage, how do you feel about the 2026 World Cup?

Xhaka: “We are very proud of the group. This World Cup will be special because there are more teams and different countries. We’ve already been in America and had a little taste of it. Every World Cup has its own history. I’m looking forward to playing in the US, Mexico and Canada, and hopefully we can have a good tournament.”

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