Sebastian Kehl: Reports of Gio Reyna’s lack of effort at the World Cup incomprehensible

Borussia Dortmund sporting director Sebastian Kehl has said that Gio Reyna has the club’s total support, amid reports claiming that he put in a lack of effort for the USMNT at the FIFA World Cup.

Reports came out on Sunday evening claiming that Gio Reyna was almost sent home from the 2022 FIFA World Cup by United States head coach Gregg Berhalter due to an alarming lack of effort in training. The 20 year old was asked to apologise to his teammates and was reduced to a bit-part role in Qatar, as the USMNT crashed out of the tournament in the round of 16.

Sebastian Kehl has now given his backing to Reyna, saying that the 20 year old is a valued member of the dressing room at Borussia Dortmund. The BVB sporting director has also said that he was left surprised by the reports that came out, adding that the criticism being levied on him is incomprehensible.

"In an interview with DPA, Kehl said:“We have been very surprised by the content of the reporting on Gio Reyna over the last few days. He has had a really difficult time with injuries. We have known the boy for many years, although he is only 20. We see him as a good guy who works professionally and is a valued teammate in the dressing room. The fact that this is now fundamentally being questioned after a few days in Qatar is incomprehensible for us at BVB and does not do justice to Gio Reyna.”"

Gio Reyna joined Borussia Dortmund in 2019 and broke into the first-team just six months later. He has made a total of 93 appearances for the Black and Yellows so far.

The attacking midfielder was forced to spend considerable time on the sidelines due to injuries last season. But he made his return for Borussia Dortmund this season, and appeared to be getting back to his best before the World Cup break.

After enduring a difficult time at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Gio Reyna will be determined to make an impact for Borussia Dortmund in the second half of the season.