Murat Yakin, Very Yakin Dengan Strateginya Di Euro 2024, Parking Elvedi Dan Okafor

Murat Yakin has confirmed his reputation as a brilliant coach at Euro 2024 (photo: uefa.com)

Murat Yakin has confirmed his reputation as a brilliant coach at Euro 2024, although some Swiss star players like Nico Elvedi and Noah Okafor have to accept the fact of sitting on the bench. In an exclusive interview with Blue Sport, Yakin admits that Okafor may be uncomfortable with this role, but remains optimistic about his team's performance.

So far Noah Okafor, AC Milan and Nico Elvedi striker, Borussia defender Moynchengladbach, has not played a single minute at Euro 2024. Both of them, sat on the bench for three full matches, and became victims of Yakin's strategy. While Elvedi can adjust well, Okafor looks difficult with his new role.

Under Yakin's tutelage, Okafor has appeared in 21 international matches scoring two goals and two assists. His last goal for the national team took place two years ago in June 2022. He believes emphasizing the importance of real contributions on the pitch and Okafor needs to prove himself further. That's the main reason Okafor, still has to wait for his role at Euro 2024.

But Yakin showed outstanding flexibility in the group stage. In the opening match, he surprised everyone by installing Kwadwo Duah and Michel Aebischer, both scoring goals. Against Scotland, he fielded Xherdan Shaqiri who scored the equalizer. In the group's last game, Dan Ndoye played on the left and scored a 1-0 winner.

"I played the role of heating the audience and made waves of La Ola," said Yakin, explaining his role while keeping the team spirit and fans high. He also added that there is always communication between coaches and players, and every player must be ready to adapt to the role given.

Convinced that Elvedi, who is usually a mainstay in defense, was able to accept the role of reserve well and remained ready to contribute to the team. This shows Elvedi's high professionalism.

Yakin's plan so far went well at Euro 2024, and he promised that his team would be ready to face Italy in the round of 16. "This will be a tactically interesting match," Yakin said.

The strategy implemented by Murat Yakin shows a deep understanding of the opponent's strengths and weaknesses as well as the ability to maximize his team's potential. Despite facing challenges with several key players on the bench, Yakin is able to keep the team's performance stable and competitive.

The match against Italy will be the next big test, and will be interesting to see how Yakin's tactical strategy deals with a strong and experienced team like Italy.