James Copley: My honest thoughts on controversial Granit Xhaka theories after Sunderland win against Chelsea
Granit Xhaka has endured a difficult start to the season, but accusations surrounding the Sunderland captain's commitment have crossed a line
A small but vocal section of Sunderland's online fanbase accused Granit Xhaka of faking an injury just four minutes into Sunday's Chelsea game to avoid facing the club he held transfer talks with last summer.
Frankly, I think that's an absolute load of bull. Xhaka's performances deserve scrutiny, and I've criticised them myself. But questioning his commitment without a shred of credible evidence is crossing a line into conspiracy theory.
His commitment is not the problem
Xhaka is 34, has played an enormous amount of football and started three games in a week as Sunderland tried desperately to turn their form around. Following the Dinamo Zagreb match, Régis Le Bris explained that the original plan was not for his captain to play the full game.
Instead, with Sunderland struggling, Xhaka wanted to stay on and help his teammates. He felt responsible for changing the game, even when the sensible option might have been to come off. Those are hardly the actions of somebody looking for an excuse not to play.
If anything, Xhaka's crime has been trying to do too much, not too little. Sunderland must manage his workload better. His determination is admirable, but that does not make him immune to fatigue, or to the physical consequences of asking too much of a 34-year-old midfielder.
Yes, there were serious flirtations with Chelsea last summer. Nobody should pretend otherwise, and I understand why supporters might revisit that episode when searching for explanations for his dip in form. But Xhaka stayed, and from my conversations with Sunderland players after recent matches, my impression is that the dressing room has moved on. Le Bris has acknowledged there may still be a lingering hangover for Xhaka personally, but he has also been unequivocal about his captain's commitment to Sunderland. Both things can be true.
His actions against Chelsea were notable
Look at what happened on Sunday. Xhaka was among the first onto the Stadium of Light pitch after the final whistle, hugging and congratulating his teammates. Afterwards, he was pictured celebrating in the dressing room as Jules Ahoka, his replacement, collected the man-of-the-match award.
And Luke O'Nien offered an even more revealing insight. Speaking after the game, he explained that Xhaka had spent half-time talking to teammates about how Sunderland could win, offering instructions rather than retreating into the background. This was a player still trying to influence a match he could no longer play in.
Of course, none of us can independently diagnose an injury from the stands. But the burden of proof belongs with those making the allegation. There is no credible evidence that Xhaka faked anything, and his behaviour before, during and after the Chelsea match hardly supports the story being spun about him.
Criticise his performances, not his integrity
Has Xhaka been as good as last season? No. His passing has been poor at times, his physical limitations have been exposed owing to fatigue, and Sunderland's midfield has too often looked vulnerable. He is the captain and the biggest personality in the squad. Scrutiny comes with that responsibility.
But before the Chelsea game, Sunderland had declined collectively, and the tactical set-up has not always helped him. The World Cup, the Covid episode and a disrupted summer also provide context. They do not excuse poor displays, but a serious assessment of his season should take them into account rather than reduce everything to a conspiracy.
Ahoka's performance against Chelsea gives Le Bris genuine food for thought. At 20, he looks an exciting prospect with the energy and composure to contribute now. Last season, Sunderland were criticised for relying too heavily on Xhaka. Another capable midfield option should be welcomed, not turned into a referendum on the captain's future.
Ahoka can start matches. Xhaka can be rested. They might even play together, depending on the opposition and the shape. Le Bris now has choices, and that is healthy. The emergence of one player does not require the humiliation or dismissal of another.
Remember what he has given Sunderland
We are in danger of forgetting how transformative Xhaka was last season. He captained Sunderland to seventh place and European qualification, raising standards on and off the pitch. That credit does not last forever, and it should never guarantee a starting place, but it surely earns him a fairer hearing than this.
I have heard first-hand accounts of how demanding Xhaka can be at the Academy of Light. His leadership style can rub people up the wrong way. Standards, accountability and an obsession with winning are not always comfortable for those on the receiving end. That does not automatically make him a problem.
Personally, I would far rather have Xhaka in Sunderland's dressing room than somebody else's. Le Bris must be prepared to rest him, alter his role or select Ahoka when the team needs it. Those are football decisions, and they should be debated openly and robustly.
Join The Echo’s WhatsApp SAFC Channel for the latest news, team & injury updates direct to your phone. Simply click this link to join.
But questioning a captain's form and accusing him of manufacturing an injury are worlds apart. Sunderland will need Xhaka's experience, quality and leadership again this season. His commitment should not be questioned because his performances have dipped. We should be capable of holding two thoughts at once: that his season has been disappointing and that the man still cares deeply about the club and his teammates.
In my view, Xhaka has given Sunderland supporters very little reason to question his commitment since a line was drawn under the Chelsea saga last summer. His performances are fair game for criticism, but his willingness to play should not be called into question without good reason. Let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater.