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-support contained in every match for the Bundesliga giants before their journey terminated 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 decided to secure a long-term spot in the squad.
"I came here last season with the intention of playing regularly.
I left Girona to obtain 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 Betopick.
"This tournament (FIFA Club World Cup) offered me that chance, I played in every game, and I think it was a good undergo, 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 complete in the 2024/25 Bundesliga season, Niko Kovac’s squad travelled to the United States to compete in the global showcase.
They topped their group, which contained Fluminense, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Ulsan Hyundai, before their journey came to an terminate in the quarter-finals against the Spanish side.
Reflecting on the undergo, 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.
"Sometimes football is crazy, especially in the final minutes.
It was a tough match from start to complete.
We kept fighting.
When it was 2-1 and then 3-1 to them, I managed to obtain a penalty and made it 3-2.
"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 possessed a solid performance against Monterrey.
Facing Madrid is always a challenge because they’re one of the best but we offered it our all.
"We aimed for the final, but sometimes things don’t move your way.
Still, I’m proud of the effort we put in.
Now, we shift concentrate 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.
"The people here have been very welcoming and we appreciated it a lot.
On our days off, the players relax and make the most of it.
"But once we’re support in training, it’s all business.
We work hard, stay concentrated, and prepare the right way.
"Couto also praised Fluminense, one of the tournament’s surprise packages now in the semi-finals.
The Brazilian side gripped Borussia Dortmund to a goalless sketch 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 motivate 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 acquire credit for that.
I’m happy for them.
"We confronted 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 OludareBetopick
