Felix Nmecha wore the BVB jersey for the first time in Erfurt. According to coach Edin Terzic, he has already shown his abilities.

Felix Nmecha first signalled that he wanted to say something more, but then disappeared into the dressing room and did not return to the small waiting media gathering. BVB was in a hurry on Saturday, the club flew back to the Ruhr area that very evening after the 2-1 test match victory against Rot-Weiss Erfurt. On Monday, they will continue their journey to the USA.

Later, Nmecha, 22, wrote something on Instagram in return, namely that he had enjoyed his first minutes in the black and yellow jersey. To this he added the obligatory knowledge of faith for him: “To Jesus be the glory”.

His interpretation of faith has been much discussed in recent weeks because Nmecha has shared posts on Instagram that imply a homophobic and transphobic worldview. Incompatible with the code of basic values of his new club.

BVB accepted the protests, paid almost 30 million euros to VfL Wolfsburg for the midfielder. Coach Edin Terzic believes in the abilities of the tall, athletic footballer.

Against Erfurt you could already see these strengths in the approach, said Terzic. “We really like his physicality, but also his technique, which goes down a bit when you see the tuck balls he plays.” It will take a few more days for Nmecha to get used to the routines, he added, “but that’s what the test matches are for.”

BVB plays three times in the USA – also important for Felix Nmecha Borussia will test three times in the USA – against San Diego Loyal (28 July/4.30 a.m. German time), Manchester United (31 July/3 p.m. German time) and FC Chelsea (3 August/2.30 p.m. German time). Even before departure, the professionals are to get used to the time change, in return they will go to bed later and their alarm clock will ring earlier.

“It’s good that we have a time when we are together from morning to night. We don’t want to waste time and work on team tactical issues. How we want to hurt the opponent, how we want to defend,” Edin Terzic said. Felix Nmecha is also expected to make use of this BVB time in the United States.