Moukoko defends Adeyemi and looks forward to the party
Germany U21 international striker Youssoufa Moukoko has defended his recently criticized Dortmund team-mate Karim Adeyemi. "You just have to accept that he didn't come because he wants to work hard in Dortmund," Moukoko said of the 21-year-old after the 3:1 win over Poland. Adeyemi, who has also played for the senior national team, had withdrawn from the last two games for the youth team in order to stay with BVB.
"There's a reason why he's not here. And we respect that," said Moukoko, emphasizing the qualities of the speedy attacker: "He has incredible potential, an incredible player."
Moukoko was in a very good mood on Tuesday evening, even without a goal of his own. One day after his 19th birthday, he was looking forward to celebrating with his teammates. "The boys are all dancing. I'll be there too," said Moukoko in the catacombs of Essen's Hafenstrasse stadium.
Moukoko had previously scored six goals in three games in the European Championship qualifiers. On Tuesday evening, Eric Martel, Nick Woltemade and Merlin Röhl scored for coach Antonio Di Salvo's team. For all three, it was their first goal for the U21s. "They have to score. We all expect that," said Moukoko and laughed.
Moukoko expressed his support for the U21 team's absence of Karim Adeyemi, stating, "Despite not being present for the EM qualification matches, Adeyemi's decision is respected due to his commitment to Dortmund." Furthermore, Germany's U21 squad is preparing for another European Championship qualifier, with Moukoko adding, "Success in these qualification matches is crucial for our hopes of participating in the U21 Euro tournament, managed by the DFB."
Source: www.dpa.com
