Yan Couto’s Club World Cup spark fuels Borussia Dortmund ambitions
Brazil international Yan Couto has his sights set on locking down a starting spot at Borussia Dortmund, with confidence high after a standout Club World Cup.
The right-back featured in every match for the Bundesliga giants before their journey ended in the quarter-finals with a 3-2 loss to Real Madrid in East Rutherford.
Despite initial challenges adapting to the Bundesliga and a new tactical system following his loan move from Manchester City, the 23-year-old is eager for greater responsibility and determined to secure a long-term spot in the squad.
"I came here last season with the intention of playing regularly. I left Girona to get more minutes on the pitch. It was a tough season at first, adjusting to a new environment, but of course, I want to play," Couto told Flashscore.com.
"This tournament (FIFA Club World Cup) gave me that chance, I played in every game, and I think it was a good experience, a good level of competition.
"I want to keep that momentum going and continue getting minutes. I still need to speak with the club and we will see what happens next season. But my desire is clear, I want to stay at Dortmund."
After securing a fourth-place finish in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, Niko Kovac’s squad travelled to the United States to compete in the global showcase.0
They topped their group, which included Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan Hyundai, before their journey came to an end in the quarter-finals against the Spanish side.0
Reflecting on the experience, Couto highlights the positives as the team looks ahead. He continued: "I think it’s been a good competition overall. We played well, especially considering how tough it was against Real Madrid.0
"Sometimes football is crazy, especially in the final minutes. It was a tough match from start to finish. We kept fighting. When it was 2-1 and then 3-1 to them, I managed to get a penalty and made it 3-2.0
"In the very last play, we pushed for an equaliser, I was in the box, almost scored from a cross. It was so close.
"These kinds of matches are never easy, but we learned a lot and will keep moving forward. Even though it’s pre-season, the Club World Cup is a big tournament, and it’s never easy.
"Despite the (weather) conditions, we managed to top our group and had a solid performance against Monterrey. Facing Madrid is always a challenge because they’re one of the best but we gave it our all.0
"We aimed for the final, but sometimes things don’t go your way. Still, I’m proud of the effort we put in. Now, we shift focus and look ahead to what’s next."
Despite the disappointment, the defender savoured every moment of the tournament: "The USA is a top country. We’re based in Florida, so the training conditions were really good, and the hotel is excellent.0
"The people here have been very welcoming and we enjoyed it a lot. On our days off, the players relax and make the most of it.0
"But once we’re back in training, it’s all business. We work hard, stay focused, and prepare the right way. "
Couto also praised Fluminense, one of the tournament’s surprise packages now in the semi-finals. The Brazilian side held Borussia Dortmund to a goalless draw in their opening match at MetLife Stadium.
He added: "I think a lot of people are supporting the Brazilian team, and rightly so. We should encourage them, it’s a great competition, and they’re up against some of the best teams in the world.
"Reaching the semi-final is a real achievement, and they deserve credit for that. I’m happy for them.
"We faced them in the group stage, and it was a tough match. They showed their quality. I’ll definitely keep cheering for the Brazilian team."
Shina Oludare
[(Valencia CF) Strength]: 1. Valencia CF haven't grabbed their first league win in the new season so far. The team are eager to secure a victory as soon as possible to boost morale and demonstrate strong determination.2. Valencia CF grabbed 5 wins, 3 draws and 1 loss in the last 9 home games, with an unbeaten rate up to 88.89%, showing good form at home.3. Valencia CF kept unbeaten in the last 3 e...
[(Hertha BSC Berlin) Strength]: 1. Hertha BSC Berlin are undoubtedly motivated to secure their first win of the season in this home game.2. Hertha BSC Berlin boast outstanding home strength, as their last home loss was in early March.[(Hertha BSC Berlin) Weakness]: 1. Hertha BSC Berlin drew 0-0 with SV Darmstadt 98 in the last away game. They failed to win in the last 4 competitive games in regula...
[(PAOK FC) Strength]: 1. PAOK FC lost in the first leg and failed to gain the upper hand in advancing. They will surely go all out in this game and strive to turn the situation around.2. PAOK FC recently won 1-0 at home against AEL Larisa in the Greece Super League 1, securing their first league victory.3. PAOK FC lost 0-1 away to NK Rijeka in the first leg. The team have a ball possession of 48% ...
[(KuPS) Strength]: 1. KuPS suffered a defeat in the first leg of the tie and missed the opportunity to gain an early advantage in the qualification race. They are certain to give their all in this game as they strive to secure progression to the next round.2. KuPS defeated Jaro 3-1 on away field in the last Veikkausliiga game. They won 6 of the last 7 games among all events with good performances....
[(Elche CF) Strength]: 1. Elche CF signed striker Rafael Mir on loan from Sevilla FC in the middle of the month. In his debut in the last game, he helped the team score a goal and his performance was commendable.2. Elche CF drew 1-1 with strong Atletico Madrid in their last away game. The first two matches of the new season both ended in draws, but considering that the opponents were all strong, s...
[(RC Lens) Strength]: 1. RC Lens have recorded 1 win and 1 loss in the current league season, scoring 2 goals and conceding 2 across two games, placing them 10th in the league table. The team will play at home in this fixture with strong determination.2. RC Lens' veteran center-back Jonathan Gradit has delivered a solid performance in the opening league games, anchoring the defense with crucial in...
[(Union de Santa Fe) Strength]: 1. In this match, both teams will strive for victory to advance to the quarter-final of the tournament. There is no doubt about their fighting spirit.2. In the most recent domestic league match, Estigarribia performed outstandingly, scoring the equalizing goal and helping his team draw with CA Huracan.3. Union de Santa Fe drew 1-1 with Atletico Rafaela in their last...
[(FC Groningen) Strength]: 1. Brynjolfur Willumsson scored 3 goals for FC Groningen in the new Eredivisie season. He is currently the top scorer in the team.2. Stije Resink provided 2 assists for FC Groningen in the new Eredivisie season, making him the team's top assist provider so far.3. FC Groningen kept unbeaten in the last two Eredivisie encounters with 1 win and 1 draw, being at a mental adv...
[(FC Oss) Strength]: 1. Mart Remans scored a goal in the last game, and his performance is still worthy of praise.2. FC Oss have performed well at home recently, winning 4-0. The team's recent home performance is still acceptable.[(FC Oss) Weakness]: 1. FC Oss lost 2-5 to FC Den Bosch in the last game and suffered two consecutive defeats, with poor form.2. FC Oss have performed poorly in defense, ...
Go to the Live Scores page.[(Hamburger) Strength]: 1. After returning to the Bundesliga following a seven-year absence, Hamburger secured their first point back with a 0-0 away draw against Borussia Monchengladbach in the opening round of the new season. Now, as they return to their home ground to face local rivals St. Pauli, the team are highly motivated and aim to secure their first victory of t...
- 1 Lamine Yamal goes public with rapper girlfriend
- 2 Ruben Amorim gives cryptic response when asked about Andre Onana returning to starting XI for Fulham clash after Altay Bayindir blunder handed Arsenal victory
- 3 'Victory Bodes Well for Future' – Gasperini Delighted with Roma’s Opening Day Win
- 4 TIPS - Eintracht Frankfurt VS Werder Bremen
- 5 Transfer rumors, news: Arsenal could turn to Lyon's Fofana
- 6 Antony’s Man United Exit Hopes Rest on Fresh Real Betis Bid Within 'Next 24 Hours'
- 7 TIPS - Gamba Osaka VS Yokohama FC
- 8 TIPS - Schalke 04 VS VfL Bochum
- 9 TIPS - Sunderland A.F.C. VS Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
- 10 TIPS - Beijing Guoan VS Wuhan Three Towns FC