Dietmar Hamann critical of Anthony Modeste after Borussia Dortmund’s defeat to FC Köln
Dietmar Hamann has said that Borussia Dortmund must drop Anthony Modeste and give Youssoufa Moukoko a chance in the starting XI.
Anthony Modeste’s reunion with former club FC Köln did not go according to plan on Saturday, as the striker drew a blank and Borussia Dortmund suffered a 3-2 defeat. It was another frustrating performance from the veteran striker, who struggled to get involved in the game and managed to touch the ball just 27 times over the course of the 90 minutes.
Dietmar Hamann was critical of Modeste after the game, saying that Borussia Dortmund are playing with ten men with the 34 year old in the team. The former Bayern Munich and Liverpool player told Sky Sport that he wants to see Youssoufa Moukoko get an opportunity in the starting XI.
"“They are playing with ten players at the moment,” Hamann said. “He doesn’t even get into the spaces to attack the ball anymore. It is absolutely imperative that Moukoko gets his chance in the team.”"
It has been a difficult start to life at Borussia Dortmund for Modeste, who joined the club as an emergency short-term replacement for Sebastien Haller. He has managed to score just one goal in ten appearances across all competitions so far.
Steffen Baumgart: Borussia Dortmund’s struggles not down to Anthony Modeste
Meanwhile, Anthony Modeste’s former coach Steffen Baumgart gave his backing to the striker after Saturday’s game. The FC Köln head coach said that Borussia Dortmund’s struggles in front of goal are not down to the French striker.
"“It’s not okay what’s coming at him now from the outside,” Baumgart told BILD TV. “Tony is not responsible for the crisis in Dortmund. He is a player like the others. To pin this on one person, as is being done right now, is making excuses.”"
Next. Player ratings from Borussia Dortmund's 3-2 defeat to FC Köln. dark
Borussia Dortmund have two big games coming up next week as they go up against Sevilla in the UEFA Champions League before hosting Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga. Edin Terzic has kept faith in Anthony Modeste so far, but it remains to be seen if he will continue to start the striker in the coming games.