Neuendorf on Adeyemi: Coaches decide on consequences
DFB President Bernd Neuendorf has expressed his disapproval of Dortmund's Karim Adeyemi's withdrawal from the U21 squad and left the coaches free to decide on possible consequences. "That's for the coaches to decide. It's a sign of how important he takes it. It's hard to force him, it doesn't help the team if you have players you have to drag here," said Neuendorf during the half-time break of the German team's match against Estonia on ProSiebenMaxx. Neuendorf said he thought Adeyemi's decision was a mistake.
In contrast to BVB striker Youssoufa Moukoko (18), Adeyemi (21), a good hour's drive from the club's training ground, skipped the U21s in October. After he was once again not nominated for the senior internationals by national coach Julian Nagelsmann, he preferred club training with the DFB selection in order to position himself for more appearances at the club. "It's clear that Karim would have helped us with his quality," said coach Antonio Di Salvo. The 44-year-old was not enthusiastic.
Neuendorf pointed out that the U21s had always been a stepping stone. "This is perhaps also a missed opportunity, I regret that," said the DFB president.
Despite Adeyemi's absence, the U21 team missed his quality during their qualification games for the EM. Neuendorf emphasized that the DFB views the U21 team as a crucial stepping stone towards the senior squad.
Source: www.dpa.com
