'Lucky goal' for Liverpool couldn't save Ekitike from mockery

Liverpool forward Hugo Ekitike was criticized by Cameroon’s coach Marc Brys following his omission from the France national team call-up.

Cameroon head coach Marc Brys voiced his disapproval of Liverpool striker Hugo Ekitike after the player was excluded from the latest France national team selection list in the most recent squad announcement.

Despite scoring three goals in his first three matches for Liverpool, Ekitike was not chosen by Didier Deschamps for the French national team this time. The 23-year-old, who holds dual nationality for France and Cameroon, once faced the choice of representing the African nation but ultimately decided to play for France. However, after failing to make the squad, Ekitike now faces criticism from coach Marc Brys.

Brys openly expressed on Foot Mercato: “I haven’t contacted him. He gave his all trying to play for France but didn’t succeed. Now Cameroon is his second option? I don’t want a second choice. He’s a talented player, that’s not the issue, but under these circumstances, he doesn’t deserve a place in my team.”

The Belgian coach also emphasized that he wants players who “play with heart” rather than stars who think they can just switch between countries. He desires players to join the Cameroon team out of passion and loyalty, not as a fallback option after failing elsewhere.

Ekitike remains eligible to play for Cameroon despite previously representing France’s U21 team. However, under coach Brys’s management, that opportunity seems quite limited. If Ekitike continues his impressive form at Liverpool, another chance might arise for him with the French national team.

The player will have another opportunity to score for Liverpool when they face Arsenal on Sunday, in a crucial match for this season’s Premier League title race.