Granit Xhaka issues 'proud' Sunderland verdict and opens up on Régis Le Bris impact

Granit Xhaka says he is loving life on Wearside and that Sunderland can be proud of their first season back in the Premier League.

The Black Cats are without a win in four but have surpassed all expectations having returned to the top tier for the first time in eight years. Sunderland impressed in a 0-0 draw with Manchester United at the Stadium of Light last weekend, earning a point that took them to 48 for the campaign.

Xhaka spoke to the Park the Bus podcast featuring former Black Cats Steven Caldwell and Kevin Kilbane to discuss the season so far and to look ahead to this summer's World Cup where he will captain Switzerland.

"I'm very happy, to be honest," Xhaka said.

"It's exactly how I grew up myself [here], with the mentality and the people - they work very hard. Myself and my family are very happy and enjoying our time here.

"The stadium is unbelievable, the fans are there pushing us every time to the limit. We did very well in the beginning of the season, of course we've now lost a couple of games now at home but this is part of our journey. In general I think we can be very proud .

"I knew about the team before, in 2016 I was suspended so couldn't play against them and I'd seen the Netflix documentary. But when you are here, you feel how big the club is and with the fanbase, the structure of the club, the players we have as well.. it's just a nice club. A big club and we are enjoying it here."

Xhaka turned 33 earlier this season but insists he still has a lot to offer at the top level.

He said: "I always say it is like a red wine, I'm older but better! I'm feeling very healthy, very fit physically but mentally as well.

"Now in Sunderland you are just trying to give the young players your experience, the hard work that you need day by day, what you learned in top clubs like Arsenal and Leverkusen... I'm enjoying the moment and just trying to give the team the best version of me that's possible and for myself as well."

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Xhaka: RLB ‘like a second Arsene Wenger’

Xhaka also paid tribute to Sunderland boss Régis Le Bris for his impact this season, as well as the influence of his previous bosses Mikel Arteta and Xabi Alonso on his late-career success.

"I have been very lucky with my last two coaches [before Sunderland], both midfielders," Xhaka said.

"In 2019 I started to see football in a different way because of Mikel Arteta, he was the guy who showed me what I didn't see before. With Xabi, it was the puzzle of getting things perfect with the ball, without the ball... the mindset, the human being. For me, it was a privilege to have both of them. Now we are here, with the boss who I say is like the second Arsene Wenger. He comes much more from a different culture, he gives us so much detail as well. I take a bit to learn from all of them for the future."

In a separate interview with The Times, Xhaka opened up further on what had impressed him about Le Bris this season.

“He’s very special,” Xhaka said.

“The first call that I had with him, it was exactly what I was hoping he is. He’s a football freak in a positive way. He looks very deep, the details, as well with the ball, without the ball. I call him like a second Arsène Wenger. I went to him already about the mindset, how he can be so — not relaxed — but very calm, so you don’t see him screaming. He’s always under control and this is maybe for my future. He gives me some advice which is very helpful.”

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