Sahin praises Gittens: "He's on his way up."
The player himself commented on what it felt like to be asked to step in front of the FanKurve for the first time after the full-time whistle. The 20-year-old labelled the "yellow wall" the "best supporters in the world".
Already showing signs that he was prepared to aim for a breakout season with his German club team during the pre-season campaign, 20-year-old BVB attacker Jamie Gittens turned his hopeful words into some truly amazing actions in Borussia Dortmund's opening fixture of the 2024/25 Bundesliga campaign on Saturday evening.
Gittens' trainer commented on the youngster's highly impressive brace at his post match presser. Dortmund's newly-appointed 35-year-old wasn't at all surprised. After declaring that he was proud of his entire team - so much so that he would be giving them the next two days off - Sahin singled out Gittens for praise.
"I'm incredibly happy for Jamie," Sahin said, "That [dribble preceding the first goal] was a great individual move. Jamie has lofty aspirations. We have high expectations for him. I've had many conversations with him. He's told us during training camp that he wishes to develop and define himself through goals and assists."
"The scenes [today] are the best testament to his development," Sahin continued, "Without any detours, he's on his way up. That's what I expect from my players, particularly off the bench. All five came in with extra fire. All five helped."
“It's a crazy feeling to score two goals in front of the best fans in the world," Gittens himself noted in his post-match comments in the mixed zone, "I was shy about stepping forward [in front of the FanKurve after the match], but I did it and it felt good. It was my first time."