Racing Genk’s season has taken a painful flip, with the membership slipping to 3rd within the Belgian Professional League and their title hopes all however extinguished, Soccernet.ng experiences.
Nonetheless, Nigerian striker Tolu Arokodare stays defiant — each in defence of his teammates and in his private ambitions.
Having loved a prolific marketing campaign with 22 objectives and 7 assists in all competitions underneath supervisor Thorsten Fink, Arokodare believes Genk’s performances this season deserve extra credit score — at the same time as the ultimate stretch proved bitterly disappointing.
Genk led the league for lengthy an extended stretch in the course of the common season however the Smurfs have seen their title ambitions fade into skinny air.
Arokodare and teammates haven’t gained any of their final 5 matches, a horrible run of outcomes that has seen Genk slip to 3rd with solely three video games left within the Championship spherical. Genk are six factors behind leaders Union Saint-Gilloise and 5 shy of Membership Brugge in second place.
“I don’t assume anybody noticed this coming,” Arokodare advised Het Laatste Nieuws. “We had an incredible season, and then you definately maintain shedding by one objective. Penalties in opposition to, a crimson card… It was robust to take.”
Genk have been knocked out of the Belgian Cup by Membership Brugge and struggled in the course of the Champions’ Play-Offs. Nonetheless, Arokodare insists the standard on the membership shouldn’t be doubtful.
“Each participant of Genk has performed a unbelievable season. The coach was nice, the followers are wonderful.”
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Tolu Arokodare: Nigeria star lifts lid on Genk title collapse, Membership Brugge and Bayern Munich hyperlinks
With one other essential match in opposition to Membership Brugge this weekend, Genk have an opportunity to salvage some satisfaction and probably sneak into second place, which stays mathematically potential.
“You see, it’s not over but. In case you beat them (Membership Brugge), you’ll be able to search for once more… You by no means know,” stated the 24-year-old striker. “I don’t assume we’ve got something to show.”
When requested whether or not Membership Brugge or Union SG have been merely stronger, Arokodare remained bullish:
“We have now misplaced to them extra usually than we’ve got gained, however I don’t assume there’s a higher crew in Belgium than Genk. We have now the very best goalkeeper, the very best defence, the very best supplier and — I don’t need to brag — I’m the highest scorer of the competitors. That claims sufficient.”
The Nigerian worldwide, who made his Tremendous Eagles debut in March in opposition to Rwanda, admits the crew’s lack of expertise might have performed a job of their late-season slip.
“Nevertheless it’s not all unfavorable. We will be happy with ourselves.”
Off the pitch, Arokodare has additionally made headlines after revealing his openness to a transfer, notably to Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich.
“If the chance comes, I’ve to ensure I’m prepared. You don’t know what number of instances a prepare will go, so I don’t need to miss any alternatives,” he stated. “That I’d be the stand-in for Harry Kane? Sure. That will be good, wouldn’t it. It’s nonetheless rumours, I haven’t had any contact.”
Arokodare beforehand had a spell within the German Bundesliga however it didn’t go as deliberate as he failed to seek out the online all season for FC Cologne.
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele
Imhonlamhen Eronmhonsele turns right into a ball of ardour when writing about Nigerian soccer and its abilities, whether or not rising stars or established legends, domestically and overseas.
From the deepest corners of the Center East, to the inexperienced fields of the Americas, to the celebrated grounds in Europe, and the wealthy soils of Africa, Imhons is greater than glad, often with a glass of a tasty drink close by, to seize the essence of the sport, by connecting the dots between tradition, id, and soccer.
