Poulsen Committed to Leipzig

“I am not seeking a transfer.”

In an interview with German football magazine Kicker, Yussuf Poulsen denies rumors that he has requested a move away from Leipzig.

Despite a dip in form that had him used mostly as a substitute in the weeks before the league ceased operations due to the coronavirus, Poulsen was named captain for Leipzig in their return to action, a 1-1 home draw with SC Freiburg.

A Poulsen appearance for Leipzig in their Sunday trip to 1. FSV Mainz 05 would mark the Danish international’s 250th competitive match for the club, dating back to his July 2013 debut in a 1-0 victory over Hallescher FC in 3. Liga.

Despite his long-term standing with the club, Poulsen had seen a significant dip in his playing time as the season progressed. With first-year trainer Julian Nagelsmann relying less on him, speculation was that Poulsen would wish to leave.

Instead, Poulsen has re-affirmed his commitment to his club and his own abilities.

“I have enough drive to not just let things go,” Poulsen explains to Kicker. “I knew that I had to do something to change things. Nobody needed to tell me, which is why there were no discussions.”

As for the rumors he had requested a transfer . . .

“(There) is zero-point-zero truth to it,” says Poulsen. “At no point have I had this transfer in my head and I still do not.”

Poulsen says that instead of pondering new directions during the time away from team training, he instead focused on fitness and shooting technique in an effort to be ready when the time came.

The payoff came not only when he was named to the starting eleven and named captain against Freiburg, but also in the 77th minute of the match when he delivered the equalizer for his team.

Poulsenś current contract with Leipzig runs through the 2021-22 season.

About Randall Hauk 19 Articles
Just a guy who got caught up in something fun.