Venezia head coach Giovanni Stroppa has admitted that Super Eagles forward Akor Adams has returned from international duty with the same positive mentality and attitude after scoring for Nigeria against Russia.
The Nigerian striker found the net as a substitute in Nigeria’s 3-3 draw against Russia during the international break.
Speaking to DAZN ahead of Venezia’s Serie A match against Atalanta on Monday, Stroppa was asked whether Adams had returned with increased confidence after scoring for Nigeria against Russia, given the team’s need for goals.
The Italian tactician acknowledged the importance of scoring for a striker while praising the Nigerian’s attitude since returning to the club.
“A goal for a striker is clearly lifeblood, positive lifeblood. I'm not forgetting Yeboah either, who scored from a penalty: damn him, he could have scored against us in the previous match," he said, as quoted by TuttoAtalanta.
Stroppa then explained that Adams had maintained his positive approach despite travelling away to represent Nigeria during the international break.
"Jokes aside, Akor never never lacks mentality and attitude: he started out positive and returned the same way.
"Those who went away to the national team, especially those who didn't play, missed some training sessions, and I' and I'm sorry about that, but they all came back with the same mentality they left us with."
The former Sevilla forward is expected to play an important role as Stroppa’s side seeks to improve its results in Serie A, with the coach emphasising the importance of maintaining a positive mentality among his players.
Wale Adejumo
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