Jeremie Frimpong surprisingly takes on the joker role in the 3-0 win against Bayern Munich. But despite his rapid celebration after scoring the final score, the Dutchman from Bayer 04 chose careful words afterwards.
The final goal in the top game against Bayern: Jeremie Frimpong celebrates the 3-0. IMAGO/Sven Simon
It was an eruption of emotions. When Jeremie Frimpong shot the ball from a long distance into the deserted Munich goal from a difficult position in stoppage time, the Bay Arena finally freaked out. A goal that also seemed like a humiliation for FC Bayern.
The league leaders defeated the record champions from Munich 3-0. Also well deserved, against a poor opponent. An experience that could be a one-off against Bayern, but represents an absolute statement for Leverkusen’s title ambitions this season.
Naturally. A five-point lead is remarkable, but it is not yet a preliminary decision. But anyone who saw Frimpong’s wild celebration run towards the Bayer bench had a different impression. The fast Dutchman was chased by all his colleagues in a sprint like an opposing wide receiver in American football, only to be brought to the ground beyond the sideline and buried under a bunch of cheers.
Goalscorer Frimpong is humble
Anyone who saw that felt that this goal and this demonstration of power was worth more than just three points in the eyes of the professionals. Even if they all later appeared very humble.
Above all, goalscorer Frimpong, who has now increased his tally to six goals and seven assists in this Bundesliga season. An outstanding record as a rail player – but that didn’t save him from ending up on the substitutes’ bench on Saturday. For tactical reasons, Xabi Alonso did not rely on the usual 3-4-3, but rather an asymmetrical 4-2-3-1 or 4-2-2-2 when he had the ball.
I am a team player
No problem for the national player. Was he disappointed? “Of course not, I’m a team player,” assured Frimpong, “it’s against Bayern Munich – so everything is for the team.”
The right wing player explained his extravagant goal celebration like this: “I wanted to go to my buddy, Noah Mbamba. But there were a lot of guys in between. I fought my way through like in the NFL,” joked Frimpong, “we had discussed it before: If I score, “Should I come to him. I said okay.”
“Still a long way to go” before Leverkusen
Like Frimpong, the 19-year-old Mbamba also had to cope with a bit of disappointment as the midfielder was left out of Leverkusen’s Europa League squad to make room for winter loanee and center forward Borja Iglesias.
But such things are currently taking a back seat in view of the high title chances in the DFB Cup and Bundesliga. Despite the increased lead, Frimpong warns: “Five points are not enough. There is still a long way to go. We can’t be too happy. Bayern have been winning the title for years. They have the experience to come back.”
The 23-year-old is pleased that many in the Republic of Bavaria are keeping their fingers crossed to experience a different champion than Bayern after more than a decade, but he warns: “You would be a fool if you focused too much on it “It makes us too excited. We can’t afford it.”
2024-02-12 09:24:12
#Wide #receiver #Frimpong #scores #warns #afford #kicker
