'I wasn't ready' - Yan Couto left 'sad and angry' by Borussia Dortmund struggles but ex-Man City player vows to prove himself with 'more aggressive' style

Speaking to club media, the Brazilian reflected on a frustrating debut campaign with Dortmund, admitting that he often came home “sad and angry” after being left out of the starting XI. Couto acknowledged that he 'wasn’t ready' in his debut year but claims he has now adapted to the demands of German football and is ready to fight for every ball. 

Couto arrived at Dortmund from Manchester City in the summer of 2024 with high hopes of becoming a key figure in their backline. However, the right-back struggled to cement his place in the team, starting just eight Bundesliga matches all season. In total, the 23-year-old made 35 appearances across all competitions, including the Club World Cup, with most coming off the bench, and registered just one assist. 

Coute admitted being left 'sad and angry' after getting limited opportunities in his first year with the Bundesliga side, saying: "Sometimes life doesn't go the way you want it to. And sometimes you have to go through bad times, not play games, come home, be sad and angry. That happened to me almost all the time. I wanted to play, I wanted to help, but I wasn't ready."

However, the Brazilian has left the disappointing season behind and is ready to start fresh with more 'aggressive style' football, which he feels is the demand of German football.

"Only I know what I've been through here. Many people distrust my football. And I'm here to prove that I'm a very good player and can help the team to the fullest. I've become more accustomed to the German mentality of being more aggressive and fighting for every ball. I'm working on it, training, and I believe the coach is much happier with me than before."

BVB will kick off their 2025-26 campaign in the DFB-Pokal first round against Essen on August 18. Couto will hope to start the match and set the tone for a much stronger second season before their Bundesliga opener the following week.