Granit Xhaka is chasing a personal European dream with Sunderland.
The Black Cats host AZ Alkmaar on Wednesday in their first continental match in 53 years. Régis Le Bris leads the squad into Europe after securing a remarkable seventh-place finish last term.
Xhaka has twice tasted bitter defeat on this stage. The 33-year-old previously lost finals with both Arsenal and Bayer Leverkusen.
“I’ve twice been in the Europa League final, lost twice in the final, so for me it’s a big dream to get another final and to get it with this football club,” Xhaka told BBC Sport.
Channeling Past Heartbreaks Into Success
The Swiss international arrived on Wearside for $22.7 million last summer. Friends initially questioned his transfer to a newly promoted side, but the veteran embraced the ambition.
Today, the club’s international commercial strategy matches their rapid on-pitch ascent. Sunderland have surged from League One to the Premier League upper echelons in recent years.
While tactical plans for AZ Alkmaar remain tightly guarded, Le Bris feels this fixture rewards that rebuild.
Transforming The Stadium Of Light
“It’s a symbol for the club,” Le Bris told flashscore.co.uk. “We are really proud to be in this position. We earned this opportunity last season with a great season.”
Xhaka anticipates a ferocious atmosphere from a supporter base waiting half a century for continental nights.
“The stadium will be on fire tomorrow because the fans deserve it and the football club deserves it,” he added.
Sunderland will finalise their matchday rotation before walking out to face the Dutch outfit.
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