Adeyemi speaks on “cultivating confidence” for national team return

A change-of-heart saw Borussia Dortmund attacker Karim Adeyemi return to the Germany U21s after controversially refusing a call-up last autumn. This time around, the 22-year-old happily accepted U21 trainer Antonio di Salvo’s invitation to spend the September international break representing Germany at the highest youth level. Before he had the opportunity to bring his enthusiasm back to the pitch, Adeyemi explained the reasoning behind his return on Tuesday. 

“I hope I haven’t been written off [for Julian Nagelsmann’s senior team],” Adeyemi noted at a Tuesday presser, “I want to prove myself here. My focus is getting back to the first team. I did speak with him [Nagelsmann] last autumn. I had an open and honest conversation [with Antonio di Salvo] recently.” 

“My decision last year was solely based on personal reasons,” Adeyemi continued, “I wanted to train at Dortmund in order to play more. It wasn’t about me no longer representing the U21s. I’m always happy to represent Germany and am pleased to wear this jersey. I’m here to help the team improve.” 

Adeyemi certainly helped his case for more minutes with his club and a chance of returning to Nagelsmann’s good graces with a brace in Tuesday’s 5-1 win over Israel in a 2025 UEFA U21 European Championship qualifier. The Munich-native could have potentially even scored a hat trick had he not hit the crossbar with an effort near the end of the first half. 

Both Adeyemi and his coach spoke on the impressive performance and the player’s overall goals with Kicker Magazine journalist Michael Pfeifer. On-site reportage in Györ contained quotes from both. The pair agreed that service with the U21s was an extremely advantageous arrangement for both sides. 

“We played a superb game and deserved to win,” Adeyemi told Pfeifer afterwards, “It went very well for me. I was pleased to help the team with a pair of goals. That makes me happy and helps me cultivate self-confidence. That’s what it’s all about.” 

“The central goal for me and the coach is to see me return to the national team,” the four-times-capped international and 2022 World Cup participant continued, “That’s why I’m offering myself up and giving my all for the U21s.”

“That was a very focused and committed performance from Karim,” di Salvo added, “he quickly rewarded himself with his strengths of running deep with the lob to make it 2-0, he had many good situations, a crossbar goal and also the 4-0.

”Hee also worked backwards and ran the opponent down,” di Salvo continued, “These are things that are good for us and certainly also for him. He was able to show himself and gain confidence.

“He played the first game of the season from the start in Dortmund, but not the second,” di Salvo was also sure to note, “It’s such that he has to try to deliver more consistent performances. The U21s can also help with that.”