Rest for BVB man Karetsas? Greece boss responds | OneFootball

Away wins against Serbia and Germany, a draw against the Netherlands: Greece is one of the big surprises in the Nations League. Always in the thick of it: Borussia Dortmund’s Konstantinos Karetsas (18).

After clearly missing out on qualification for this year’s World Cup, the Greek national team is celebrating something of a resurrection. With seven points from three matches, the Hellenes are top of their Nations League group. Karetsas started every game. In the 1-0 win over Germany, Borussia Dortmund’s summer signing even played the full 90 minutes.

And yet only around four weeks have passed since the young attacking player caused major concern. In the Champions League against Villarreal (3-2), the youngster suddenly ran out of steam and had to be carried off the pitch. A stay in hospital followed.

The cause was circulatory weakness due to dehydration. Almost two weeks later, Karetsas returned to the pitch. Now reports have been making the rounds that Borussia’s officials had asked the Greek federation to handle him with care. A fourth international match within three weeks was said to be a bit too much for the BVB pro.

Karetsas likely to feature against Germany as well

Greece head coach Ivan Jovanovic (64) addressed the issue at the press conference ahead of Sunday’s return match against Germany (October 4, 8:45 p.m.). There had been no Dortmund request for “restraint,” the Serbian made clear. “There is no request from Dortmund regarding Karetsas,” the Greek Gazzetta quotes him as saying. Such reports were “exaggerated,” the coach explained.

Photo: Getty Images

Jovanovic revealed that he is “in contact with the players’ clubs on a weekly basis.” He continued: “When the players train with us, we inform their clubs during the national team’s preparation, and also afterward, about all the recorded data.” The Greece coach spoke in no uncertain terms, judging that the matter had been “completely unnecessarily blown out of proportion.” The 64-year-old made it clear: “What applies to Konstantinos applies to all players. As long as I am here, no club has asked for special treatment.”

He therefore ruled out any overload for Karetsas. “Every decision I make takes the players’ needs into account,” Jovanovic explained, “and is made after consulting with them.” So Karetsas is also expected to be involved against Germany.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.