Most players are eager to make their Champions League debuts, however, the situation was different for Red Bull Salzburg midfielder Majeed Ashimeru who was scared to make his debut at Anfield.
Ashimeru is one of Ghana’s fast-rising players and he rose to prominence last season with Red Bull Salzburg.
In an exclusive interview with Joy Sports’ Owuraku Ampofo, the former St. Gallen player spoke of how playing in the Champions League was a dream come true.
“Getting my debut at Anfield was crazy. The fans, the atmosphere, everything was crazy. I couldn’t believe I’m the one from Mamobi standing here. It was a proud moment for me and my family. Playing in the Champions League is the dream of every player and it was a dream come true for me.”
Anfield, they say is a place of doom for opposition. It was no different for @MajeedAshimeru who was so terrified, he didn't even want to come on for his Champions League debut. pic.twitter.com/8AvLtvn6Uk
— Owuraku Ampofo (@_owurakuampofo) January 4, 2021
However, his debut was unusual as he no longer felt like going on due to the pressure from the Anfield crowd.
“One thing even my coach didn’t know was that I was scared when he called me to warm up. The fans were shouting and I have never seen fans like that before. It’s really difficult to play against Liverpool because when you are on the field the fans are really close to you and you feel their pressure.
“I was warming up and I saw our trainer tell me to change and go in but deep down I didn’t want to go and play but I had to go and play for me, my family and the people supporting me. Although we lost, we were happy because losing 3-2 at Anfield was a positive for us,” Ashimeru added.
Ashimeru’s Red Bull Salzburg are now in the round of 32 stage in the Europa League and will face Villareal.
Source: Owuraku Ampofo |Joy Sports|
