Austrian international Xaver Schlager isn't holds back on media scrutiny: "You folks need to question a lot"
Xaver Schlager, a key player for Austria, responded with frustration to queries regarding Karim Onisiwo's unexpected withdrawal from the national team. Following RB Leipzig's 2-0 defeat against Mainz, Schlager was directly approached about Onisiwo's decision on Saturday. Stoically, he declared, "I'd rather not comment on it. That's his call." Onisiwo, a FSV Mainz 05 player, unexpectedly announced his decision to forego representing Austria in future games, despite qualifying for Euro 2024 in Germany.
Onisiwo's demeanor seemed uneasy during the interview. In response to the notion that Austrians didn't fully comprehend the timing of the decision, Schlager retorted, "I think you folks in the media need to question a lot of things, it's not always just about sport."
In contrast, Christoph Baumgartner, another RB Leipzig player, maintained a more measured tone. "Considering our tight schedule, anyone who's familiar with it knows we don't have much free time. Maybe it's the right time for Karim to spend more time with his family." Baumgartner went on to express that anyone harboring frustration towards Onisiwo is "off track."
Owing to his RB Leipzig stint in the Bundesliga, Karim Onisiwo made a startling choice: to step away from the Austrian national team. Onisiwo's absence in the recent Bundesliga encounter between RB Leipzig and FSV Mainz 05 was quite apparent.
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Onisiwo's decision to depart from the Austrian national team remains a mystery, with exact reasons eluding the media. Some sources hinted at his departure from RB Leipzig for Bragantino as a potential factor, but definitive evidence is lacking.
Interestingly, some speculate that Onisiwo's family commitments may have played a role in his decision. Onisiwo has been very close to his family, featuring in a distressing video that surfaced on social media a few months ago, discussing his concern for their well-being. This may have influenced his priority shift, as Baumgartner hinted at.
