As previously reported, Karim Adeyemi turned down the chance to represent Germany’s Under-21s during the international break in order to continue training with Borussia Dortmund. However, while Adeyemi may have been hoping to reignite his form at club level by remaining behind, his decision has certainly frustrated those at the DFB.
His refusal to play particularly angered DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, who commented on the situation: “It’s no use forcing someone to come here. It doesn’t help the team if someone shows up with half their effort. It has to be with conviction and with passion.”
Neuendorf also remarked that those who are offered the chance to represent Germany at any level ”should be proud to wear the eagle on your chest,” which is a sentiment shared by BvB CEO Hans-Joachim Watzke. The Dortmund boss backed up the DFB president by commenting: “I see it the same way. Bernd Neuendorf and I don’t have different opinions on this!”
Nevertheless, the resentment towards Adeyemi does not stop with his decision to turn down the U-21 call-up. According to Bild, Dortmund’s sporting director Sebastian Kehl and head coach Edin Terzić recently discussed the poor form of the 21-year-old and made it clear that more is expected from him.
With just two assists in 13 appearances so far this season, Adeyemi has underperformed drastically, which has also coincided with Die Schwarzgelben falling behind in the Bundesliga title race. If they are to find a route back to the top, then they will be praying that players like Adeyemi can step up, and the 21-year-old will need to prove his decision to remain behind was worthwhile after all.
GGFN | Will Shopland
