Xherdan Shaqiri and the Swiss National Team’s journey at the European Championship came to an abrupt end in the Quarter-finals after losing in penalty kicks to England in Düsseldorf.
Shaqiri left the Fire early to join Switzerland for two friendlies ahead of the EURO’s despite his MLS club struggling for results, particularly on the offensive side of the pitch.
It remains to be seen if Shaqiri, whose contract expires at the end of the MLS season, will return to the Fire at some point this season. Frank Klopas said the club has been in contact with its Designated Player regarding his potential return to Chicago.
“I've been in communication with Shaq since he left, wishing the player the best of luck in every match for him and obviously with Switzerland,” said Klopas.
“He just finished a major tournament and it's normal that he's going to have a little bit of a break. That's normal with players. I think when you look at his team reaching the quarterfinals, it's normal. We haven't yet decided on the date that he will be back in Chicago, but it's very normal after a major tournament and being away early, with the travel everything, and international games, that he's going to have some time off and we still are deciding when that return date will be.”
Rumors have been circulating about Shaqiri’s future, MenInRed97’s Alex Calabrese reported that Chicago has yet to receive an offer for their Swiss attacker despite the player saying he was open to a move last month.
Honestly, how can you come back to a locker room after leaving early for a tournament?
From the rest of my notebook:
Chris Brady Olympics omission
The Fire’s 20-year-old homegrown goalkeeper was passionate when he spoke to On Tap Sports Net in June about his desire to be a part of the United States Men’s Olympic Soccer Team at the Summer Olympics. Head coach Marko Mitrovic did not include Brady as one of the two goalkeepers for this trip and the Fire’s starting ‘keeper was blunt about his emotions regarding the squad announcement.
“I'm a little disappointed in the decision, and a little confused, frankly. I felt like I did enough to put myself in the best position to be included in that roster. But overall, I'm just pretty disappointed I'm not able to help my country win a medal.”
Brady said Frank Klopas, who himself has represented the United States in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, has been supportive throughout the entire process.
“It felt like he kind of had my back and knew what it's like to be in this position, I don't know personally, but it felt good. My goalkeeper coach, as well, being included in an Olympic cycle, being selected in that alternate role, he also gave me his two cents.
“It helps that there are people here who have been in similar positions and can give their two cents. It means a lot to me. But just disappointed overall. It's hard to hear other people and what they want to tell you about certain situations when your overall feeling is disappointment and confusion.”
Frank Klopas on San Jose loss
Frank Klopas was not on the sidelines for Chicago when they traveled to California and lost 1-0 to the last-place Earthquakes over the weekend after receiving a red card at the end of the Fire’s 4-3 comeback win over Philadelphia. Klopas acknowledged that his side wasted a fabulous opportunity at a positive result on the road.
“[It] felt it was a missed opportunity for us to go and pick up points,” said Klopas during his weekly media availability. “Again, probably not a game that we came out with the highest intensity or energy. I think both teams had a little bit of a slow start.
“We did create opportunities and again conceding one goal, I think we created enough to have walked away with points from that one. It's definitely disappointing because it was an opportunity for us with the results, the way they went, for us to pick up some really important momentum and gain some ground on teams. We missed that opportunity. We don't always make it easy on ourselves when those chances come, and we can't let too many of those slide away because the season is running out.”
Status Updates
Andrew Gutman has been slowly integrated back into the squad after sustaining his second leg injury of 2024 in the Fire’s 1-1 draw against Orlando on May 29. The left-back isn’t working with the team yet in training but has been working out individually on the training pitch for over a week. He’s not expected back this weekend against NYCFC.
Jonathan Dean was a late scratch in San Jose with an ankle injury, according to Klopas, Carlos Terán’s status remains a question mark going forward and Fabian Herbers is suspended this weekend due to card accumulation.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see Diego Konincks sign another short-term agreement with the Fire ahead of their match against NYCFC.
What’s On Tap Next?
The Fire will be back at Soldier Field when they host NYCFC on July 13. The match is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. CT and will be broadcast on MLS Season Pass on AppleTV+.
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