Swiss media slam Sunderland's Granit Xhaka after what he did during 'first water break' vs Colombia

Swiss media have criticised Sunderland's Granit Xhaka for his performance against Colombia in the World Cup as he is linked with a move to Chelsea.

Xhaka was one of Sunderland's most important players last season as he captained the club to Europa League qualification.

Many eyebrows were raised by his arrival on Wearside directly after their promotion from the Championship, and he proved to be a shrewd addition to Regis Le Bris' ranks.

Such fine form has seen Chelsea register their interest in his services during the summer window, with the Black Cats adamant that he is going nowhere.

So much talk around Xhaka's future at club level may have distracted him from his current task, which is leading Switzerland in the World Cup.

The 33-year-old drew some criticism from Swiss media for his performance in their round of 16 clash against Colombia on Tuesday, even though they progressed to the quarters on penalties.

Swiss media have their say on Granit Xhaka's performance vs Colombia

Xhaka also captains his country, and made his fifth start of the tournament against Colombia on Tuesday.

The 33-year-old rarely put a foot wrong defensively and was not involved in any attacks, but did pick up the first booking of the game for a bad tackle on Daniel Munoz.

His one mistake of the game in the 116th minute was nearly very costly, as he failed to deal with a long ball and was dispossessed by Munoz, who found Jaminton Campaz, but he blazed a close-range shot over the crossbar.

Swiss outlet Bluewin reacted to his performance and that particular flashpoint by writing: "A playmaker and a fighter. But not always at his best. One or two uncharacteristic misplaced passes. Had a good chance in the 114th minute, but chipped it over the bar.

"Made a mistake at the back shortly afterwards – was lucky the Colombian didn’t score. It’s incredible how much pressure has been lifted from him; he was in tears of joy after the win."

Fellow site Watson were also unsure about his showing, as they said: "During the first water break, he hurls his bottle to the ground. After that, he channels his anger into a solid performance. His influence grows, whilst his mistakes become fewer. Until, shortly before the end, he almost causes the score to become 0–1."

What has Xhaka said in response to Chelsea rumours?

Sources have exclusively revealed to Football Insider that Chelsea remain keen on signing Xhaka for £17million, after seeing an £8m bid rejected last week.

The 33-year-old's future is unlikely to be decided either way until he returns from World Cup action, but Sunderland have made it clear that they feel he is not for sale.

Xhaka was asked about his future by reporters last week, to which he said: "That's not my job [to talk about a potential move to Chelsea]. I have my management for that. I want to concentrate fully on the World Cup."During the first water break, he hurls his bottle to the ground. After that, he channels his anger into a solid performance. His influence grows, whilst his mistakes become fewer. Until, shortly before the end, he almost causes the score to become 0–1.