Ludogorets Razgrad vs Basel preview - Xhaka under investigation
Posted Tuesday, October 21, 2014 by PA
Defender Taulant Xhaka will head into FC Basle's Champions League clash with Ludogorets under a Swiss disciplinary cloud.
The Albania star's gesture after Basle's 1-0 league victory over Young Boys on Saturday has led to a Swiss Football League investigation.
The 23-year-old claimed to be simply waving to family, but complaints of an alleged fascist salute has led to league bosses opening an enquiry.
Xhaka, who featured in the abandoned Euro 2016 qualifying match between Albania and Serbia on October 15, is expected to be free to line up against Ludogorets for Wednesday's Group B Champions League encounter, but must wait for further news on his domestic situation.
"I just waved to my family, from the heart. Anyone who interpreted it into something else is wrong," Xhaka told reporters, shrugging off the controversy.
Paulo Sousa's side are still revelling in their 1-0 victory over Liverpool at St Jakob-Park, to the extent that the Basle coach could name the same starting line-up that faced the Reds.
The Swiss champions suffered a 5-1 mauling at the hands of Real Madrid, but boosted their knockout stage hopes with the surprise victory over Liverpool.
Basle were made to work hard for their Young Boys win at the weekend, with boss Sousa praising his side's determination.
"We were very pleased with the points, we needed strong fighting spirit from the players," he said.
"We always try to express ourselves on the pitch, and the same time win.
"This is what we managed against Liverpool, so I hope we can sustain that level."
Hosts Ludogorets are still seeking their first points in this year's Champions League group stages, well aware time is running out to secure a competitive foothold.
After two successive 2-1 defeats - at Liverpool then at home to Real - the Bulgarian outfit appreciate their situation.
Manager Georgi Dermendzhiev knows they need a result to maintain their aim of creating a three-way fight for second place in Group B.
"We were brave, courageous and played with no fear against reigning European Champions Madrid," he said.
"We played as an equal and we could have earned a draw.
"It is a tough group but we have to make sure we can fight with Basel and Liverpool for second."
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