Borussia Dortmund “have no reason to hide” against Real Madrid in their FIFA Club World Cup quarter-final clash, says Karim Adeyemi, who also suggested he could spend the rest of his career at the club in an interview with bundesliga.com.
Adeyemi, who has provided two assists at the tournament in the USA. this summer, believes Dortmund have what it takes to get past the 15-time European champions.
“Our goal is to obviously win the game, and if we start like we did in the last match, it could definitely be very, very tough for Real [Madrid],” he said. “But of course, we know what kind of opponent they are and the quality they have. We have to take that into account. Still, we also know what we’re capable of, and there’s no reason for us to hide.”
Adeyemi (c.) set up both goals for Serhou Guirassy (r.) in the 2-1 win over Monterrey in the round of 16. – JUAN MABROMATA
Madrid are coached by Xabi Alonso, who won the Bundesliga, DFB Cup and Supercup with Bayer Leverkusen before moving back to Spain this summer. Adeyemi suggested Dortmund could take advantage of the situation as Real’s squad get used to their new boss.
“I think Xabi [Alonso] still has to prove himself to the team in these first few weeks. I believe the players also want to prove themselves to him,” the former Bayern Munich youngster explained. “So it’s a completely different Real Madrid than we know. We’re aware of their qualities and we also know what kind of coach Xabi is. That’s why it won’t be easy of course. But if we give everything and have a good day, then we will definitely win this game.”
Dortmund will come up against former Bayer Leverkusen head coach Xabi Alonso. – IMAGO/Jose Breton
After the Club World Cup, Adeyemi will embark on his fourth season at Signal Iduna Park, and he suggested he could follow in the footsteps of a club legend in building a legagy in black and yellow.
“I’ve always said that I love this club. I was a fan of this club even as a young player, my family too and yes, it’s different to think about it now,” admitted the eight-time Germany international.”
“If I just think of Marco [Reus], who I believe gave everything to this club and stayed loyal to it – then I think it’s amazing to say that I even want to step into those shoes. There’s still a few years to go until then, but as I said, I feel good here, and if I one day ended up playing for this club forever, I wouldn’t regret it.”
