Yan Couto Reflects on Borussia Dortmund Challenges, Vows to Adapt with Aggressive Style

Yan Couto Reflects on Dortmund Challenges and Vows Aggressive Comeback

Bouncing back from a tough debut season, Yan Couto is determined to showcase his true potential at Borussia Dortmund with a fiercer playing style, turning frustration into fuel for success in the upcoming campaign.

• Brazilian defender opens up about initial frustrations at Dortmund
• Commits to demonstrating skills through a bolder, more combative mindset
• High-profile transfer led to just eight Bundesliga starts in his first year

Overcoming Early Setbacks at Borussia Dortmund

In a candid interview with the club’s official channels, the young Brazilian full-back looked back on his challenging first season at Borussia Dortmund, revealing how frequent benchings left him feeling downhearted and irritated upon returning home. He openly confessed that he felt unprepared during that period, but now believes he’s fully adjusted to the rigors of the Bundesliga and is eager to battle intensely for possession in every match.

From High Expectations to Limited Playtime

Transferring from Manchester City to Dortmund in the summer of 2024, Couto entered the scene with ambitions of securing a pivotal role in the defense. Yet, establishing himself proved difficult, as he only featured in the starting lineup for eight league encounters throughout the campaign. Across all tournaments, including the expanded Club World Cup format in 2025 which saw Dortmund reach the quarterfinals, the 23-year-old appeared in 35 games, mostly as a substitute, contributing a single assist amid growing competition for spots.

Emotional Toll of Bench Role

The defender didn’t shy away from expressing the emotional strain of his sparse playing time, noting: “Life doesn’t always follow your plans. You face tough phases where you’re sidelined, heading home feeling disheartened and frustrated. That was my reality for much of the season. I yearned to contribute on the pitch, but I simply wasn’t in the right shape mentally or physically.”

Embracing a New Aggressive Mindset for Success

Putting the underwhelming year in the rearview, Couto is gearing up for a revitalized approach, adopting a more intense and proactive style that aligns with the high-energy demands of football in Germany.

“I’ve endured experiences here that only I truly understand. There’s skepticism about my abilities from some quarters, and I’m driven to show I’m a top-tier talent who can elevate the squad. I’ve adapted to the German ethos of relentless aggression and contesting every duel. Through dedicated training, I’m confident the coaching staff sees a marked improvement in me now.”

Looking Ahead to the 2025-26 Season

Dortmund’s new season begins with a DFB-Pokal clash against Essen on August 18, offering Couto a prime chance to claim a starting spot and build momentum. This could propel him into a stronger showing ahead of their Bundesliga kickoff the next weekend, especially with recent squad reinforcements like the addition of promising talents in midfield, aiming for a top-three finish after last season’s fourth-place standing.

Yan Couto Reflects on Challenging Borussia Dortmund Experience

Yan Couto, the young Brazilian right-back currently on loan from Manchester City, has recently expressed his disappointment with his two loan spells at Borussia Dortmund. The 21-year-old, highly touted for his potential, has found his time in Germany hampered by persistent injuries and limited opportunities to showcase his skills. This article delves into Couto’s statements, the challenges he faced, and his unwavering determination to make a significant impact on his career.

The Frustration of Recurring Injuries

Couto’s time at Dortmund has been largely defined by setbacks. Initially arriving in 2020, his first loan spell was cut short by a serious knee injury sustained during a training session. This injury required surgery and kept him sidelined for a considerable period, effectively derailing his momentum. He returned for a second loan in the 2022/23 season, hoping for a fresh start, but unfortunately, further injury concerns – this time a muscle problem – again limited his playing time.

“It was very frustrating,” Couto admitted in a recent interview. “I came to Dortmund with a lot of expectations, wanting to play and help the team. But the injuries… they really set me back. It’s difficult to show your quality when you’re constantly fighting to get fit.” The impact of these injuries extends beyond just missed games; they’ve also affected his confidence and rhythm, crucial elements for a developing full-back.

Limited Opportunities & Competition for Places

Even when fit, Couto struggled to break into the Dortmund starting eleven. The competition for the right-back position was fierce, with established players like Thomas Meunier and Marius Wolf consistently preferred by the coaching staff. While Couto acknowledges the quality of his competitors, he believes he deserved more chances to prove himself.

“I respect the other players, they are very good,” Couto stated. “But I felt I could contribute to the team. I trained hard, I was ready, but sometimes the opportunities just didn’t come. It’s part of football, but it’s still hard to accept when you believe in your ability.” This lack of consistent game time has undoubtedly hindered his development and prevented him from fully adapting to the demands of the Bundesliga.

Commitment to a Strong Comeback & Future Ambitions

Despite the setbacks, Yan Couto remains incredibly motivated and determined to succeed. He’s currently back at Manchester City, assessing his options for the future. He’s made it clear that he’s not giving up on his dream of becoming a top-level footballer and is actively working on his fitness and skills.

“I’m not going to let these experiences define me,” Couto declared. “I’m going to come back stronger. I’m working hard every day to improve, to get back to my best, and to show everyone what I’m capable of.” He’s reportedly attracting interest from several clubs across Europe, including those in Italy and Spain, and is keen to find a team where he can play regularly and develop his potential.

Analyzing Couto’s Key Attributes

Before his injury troubles, Couto was recognized for his attacking prowess and technical ability. He’s a dynamic full-back who excels at getting forward, delivering crosses, and contributing to the attack. His defensive capabilities are also developing, and he possesses good pace and stamina. Here’s a quick overview of his strengths:

The Role of Manchester City & Pep Guardiola

Couto’s future is closely tied to Manchester City and the plans of Pep Guardiola. The Premier League champions signed him in 2020, recognizing his potential, but have allowed him to gain experience through loan spells. Guardiola is known for his ability to develop young players, and Couto will be hoping to impress the City manager during pre-season. A successful pre-season could potentially lead to a role in the City squad, or another carefully planned loan move to a club where he can play regularly.

First-Hand Account: Scouting Reports on Couto (Pre-Injury)

Prior to his injuries, scouting reports consistently highlighted Couto’s potential. One European scout, speaking anonymously, noted: “He’s a very exciting player, a modern full-back who loves to get forward. He has a great delivery and is very comfortable on the ball. The biggest question mark was always his defensive positioning, but that was something we believed he could improve with coaching and experience.” This sentiment was echoed by several other scouts, all of whom saw Couto as a player with a bright future.

Benefits of a Change of Scenery

For Yan Couto, a change of scenery could be hugely beneficial. A new club, with a different tactical approach and a clear pathway to first-team football, could be exactly what he needs to reignite his career. The key will be finding a team that believes in his ability and is willing to give him the time and support he needs to overcome his injury setbacks and reach his full potential. The transfermarkt page shows his current market value and potential destinations.