Press conference

Xhaka - It is not about the armband

Granit Xhaka before our game against Colorado Rapids in Denver
Granit Xhaka before our game against Colorado Rapids in Denver

Granit Xhaka is ready to resume his leadership role and help us "create something special" this season, regardless of whether he's wearing the captain's armband.

Our Switzerland midfielder was in the captaincy group last term alongside Laurent Koscielny, Aaron Ramsey, Petr Cech and Mesut Ozil.

It's a role he relishes, but says that leadership is about more than symbols.

"It is not about the armband," he said. "We have to work well together on the pitch, out of the pitch and we have to work together, all of the players," he said.

"If the club and the coach gives me the armband I will be happy of course. I will be very happy because it is something special. But it's not my first time [to be a captain] because I have been the captain here, I was before in Germany and the national team as well.

"Our leadership improved last season but this is not something you can change in one day," he added. "You need time and in my opinion we are on a good way to create something special in the team as well.

"For everyone, last season was something new. We had new staff and we had to learn new ideas from the coach, but I think we did well.

"We lost the [Europa League] final, a big game for us, but it was the first year together. It's the second year now together and I am looking forward to making a better season than last season."

See Full List

Fixtures & Results

Premier League
Ticket Info