Xhaka slams Mukiele’s “stupid” red card after loss to Bayern

Granit Xhaka had some choice words for teammate Nordi Mukiele after the Frenchman was sent off in Bayer Leverkusen’s 3-0 defeat to Bayern Munich.

On a miserable night for Bayer Leverkusen, Die Werkself went down 3-0 to Bayern Munich in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

With Bayern leading 2-0 on the hour mark, Nordi Mukiele was shown his second yellow card for a foul on Kingsley Coman, making things even more difficult for Leverkusen.

Granit Xhaka hit out at his teammate after the game, describing his red card as “stupid”.

“Despite going behind, we were well into the game. And then we got a stupid red card, which was totally unnecessary. It shouldn’t happen to us. It was so far from the goal. But I think there are other stories to tell today,” the Swiss midfielder told DAZN.

In a separate interview in the mixed zone, Xhaka criticized referee Michael Oliver’s decision to award the penalty that led to Bayern’s 3-0 goal.

“That kind of penalty wouldn’t be given from him in the Premier League. Disappointing. I know Michael from England,” the former Arsenal midfielder said, according to Sky Germany.

Despite the poor first-leg result, Xhaka believes Leverkusen can turn things around at home next week.

“If we go into the second leg (with Bayern’s mentality), take an early lead, then anything can happen.

“I won’t give up. We can beat Bayern. We have to give everything. We won’t give up,” the Swiss midfielder stressed.