Germany: Bundesliga
FT
2 - 1
(0 - 0)
Dortmund
Elversberg
F. Nmecha⚽1-0
55
F. Nmecha⚽2-0
71
81
⚽2-1N. Futkeu
By Michael Kryschak@michaelkryschak

"A huge dream": Jobe Bellingham grateful to Kovač after earning England call-up

Borussia Dortmund secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Elversberg on Saturday, with Felix Nmecha reflecting on the challenges posed by the visitors. Meanwhile, Jobe Bellingham expressed his gratitude towards head coach Niko Kovač following his England call-up.
Jobe Bellingham and Felix Nmecha for Dortmund.
Jobe Bellingham and Felix Nmecha for Dortmund.Photo: Pau Barrena / Getty Images.

Borussia Dortmund kept pace with Bayern Munich at the top of the Bundesliga table after overcoming Elversberg 2-1. Following the final whistle, Felix Nmecha reflected on a challenging afternoon for BVB:

"I think I struck the ball well twice today," Nmecha said with a laugh. "We knew Elversberg were a good footballing side, and they certainly didn't make things easy for us. In the end, you have to fight, that's what you have to do, and then you win."

Asked about the ongoing title battle with Bayern Munich, Nmecha played down its significance at this stage of the season.

"It's a long season, and the battle with Bayern isn't decisive for us just yet. We're taking it one game at a time. That's all we can do right now."

Meanwhile, Jobe Bellingham had plenty of reasons to celebrate following his selection for the England national team. The Dortmund midfielder credited Kovač and his coaching staff for helping him reach this milestone.

"I'm really grateful to my coach Niko Kovač. My development and the fact that I was selected for the national team are largely thanks to him and the coaching staff. I'm really happy, and I want to keep working hard and developing further," Bellingham explained.

The 20-year-old also spoke about the possibility of sharing the pitch with his brother Jude at international level – a prospect that would fulfil a childhood dream.

"Playing alongside my brother Jude for England is a huge dream. I can't stop smiling about it. We dreamed about this when we played together in the garden. I don't want to jinx anything because it hasn't happened yet, but I'm really looking forward to it, and I know he is too," he added.

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