At the beginning of 2019-2020 season, Emre Can was anxious on his future.
When he found out new Juventus manager Maurizio Sarri did not register him for the Champions League squad, that become a reason of why he should leave the Italian giant.
Last season, he played 36 games in all competitions for Juventus, and he only need to compete with Blaise Matuidi and Rodrigo Bentancur.
This season, he only played 8 games in all competitions, 2 games as a starter and the rest he came off the bench.
Not only he have to compete with Matuidi and Bentancur, he had to compete with new signing Aaron Ramsey and Adrien Rabiot. That’s the final nail in the coffin for Can’s career in Juventus.
So when Borussia Dortmund came calling, he didn’t think twice about the prospect of returning to Germany.
Ironically, he made a debut for Dortmund in a Bundesliga game against his former club Bayer Leverkusen, as he scored his first goal after more than six months, despite losing 4-3 in a thrilling encounter.
“It was an indescribable feeling to score after a few minutes on my debut, even though we went on to lose the game. It will definitely stay with me and it wasn’t a bad goal either.”
Can is known for his versatility and ability to play in multiple position, as shown during his time at Liverpool, as he played as midfielder, centre-back and full-back under the guidance of Jurgen Klopp.
That is what he wanted to continue when he moved to Juventus but Can believes, he wasn’t given more chance to play and help the team. But Dortmund give him more than enough to play at his best.
“They want me to bring some mentality. They want me to get involved and set the tone. I think these are some of my strengths, but I have come here to Dortmund and I think I have shown people that I can also play football. I try to help the team and I think I was able to do this in the first few games.”
After three months in Dortmund, the 26-year-old admitted that he has been enjoying his career so far. It’s all because of his new teammates.
“They were positive for me personally. I feel at home in Dortmund after a tough six months. I am enjoying being an important part of a team again and it’s a nice feeling.
“The boys have really taken me in, and it’s been a positive few months.”