Moukoko radiates joy after win, Terzic gives first grim update on Reus
Borussia Dortmund have much to be pleased with following their victory in the "Revived Revierderby". Die Schwarzgelben concluded the day at the top of the Bundesliga table, three points clear of rivals FC Bayern München.
While young German phenom Youssoufa Moukoko proclaimed that there would celebrations deep into the night, head-coach Edin Terzic took the first steps toward confirming the worst possible news concerning injured captain Marco Reus.
Youssoufa Moukoko's second tally of the current Bundesliga campaign (and seventh overall in the German top flight) could not have come at a better time. The 17-year-old's headed finish 11 minutes from time proved the difference maker in Dortmund's 1-0 over Schalke.
While young German phenom Youssoufa Moukoko proclaimed that there would celebrations deep into the night, head-coach Edin Terzic took the first steps toward confirming the worst possible news concerning injured captain Marco Reus.
After an injury-riddled 2021/22 season and a rough summer focused on contract extension talks, the teenage talent certainly had a bit of suppressed adrenaline to let out after the victory. Moukoko even went so far as to reveal that he was angry at not having been given the chance to start.
"I came on with fire in my belly," Moukoko said of his use as a substitute, "I'm very ambitious and sometimes Edin [Terzic] has to pull me back a bit. [After today], I'd say he's probably right. It feels wonderful today. I've worked a long time for this."
Moukoko noted that Terzic had told him he would be introduced later at the team meeting. The youngster said that Terzic's precise words had given him the right kind of confidence. In addition to crediting his coach, Moukoko made sure to thank Marius Wolf for supplying him with the cross on his game-winning goal.
"Today, he [Terzic] said to me'When you come in, just give everything and maybe you decide it," Moukoko noted, "I was expecting a cross. The ball that came in was so wonderful. I thank Marius [Wolf]."
The beaming Moukoko spoke of how great the team felt having fought so hard to capture three points. In the words of the Germany U21 international there would be celebrations "deep into the night".
Whether some of Moukoko's teammates will feel like celebrating when more concrete news about captain Marco Reus comes down remains to be seen. The BVB skipper had to be stretchered off during the first half with what looked like a very serious ankle injury.
In his post-match comments, Terzic appeared to confirm the worst. The BVB trainer called the news "very bitter" and noted that the club's medical staff had discovered "multiple ligament tears".
Terzic promises further updates would be forthcoming soon.