In the TM interview
Ayodele Adetula’s career is picking up speed again after a slump. While the 24-year-old switched to the men’s division with a lot of euphoria and optimism after a very successful time in the junior federal leagues, he was unable to establish himself in the professional division at Eintracht Braunschweig and Rot-Weiss Essen. Since moving to Oldenburg last October, however, his form has been on the up again – and could bring him closer to his big goal at the end of the season. Sven Bauer (Lapdog) spoke for Transfermarkt with the offensive all-rounder, among other things, about the reasons for the stagnation, his regained self-confidence, what he learned from coach Christian Titz and the goose bumps on Hafenstrasse.
Transfer market: Mr. Adetula, VfB Oldenburg has qualified for the final round of the Regionalliga Nord for promotion. Is the 3rd league the goal now?
Ayodele Adetula: After applying for the license for the 3rd division, I can say for myself that my goal is to get promoted with the squad – for the club and above all for the city and the fans. We don’t look at what the competition is doing. As long as we do our homework and focus on ourselves, we can achieve a lot with this squad.
Transfer market: You were able to finish the regular round with your team as the leader of the table: only one defeat, the best defense. What can you take away from the first half of the season for the upcoming games?
Adetula: We grew together as a team from game to game, and that was reflected in the table at the end. In terms of gameplay, we also have a very strong squad with many mentality players who play a large part in this team performance. Now it’s very important that we pick up where we left off: stay focused and consistently force our game onto our opponents.
Transfer market: A return to professional football has been longed for in Oldenburg for years. What are the expectations in the club environment?
Adetula: I think that many of the people in Oldenburg would like professional football to be played here again. However, we shouldn’t put any pressure on ourselves in this regard. We are very happy that the fans actively support us, even in bad times. We now have it in our own hands and can reward ourselves.
Transfer market: Regarding the fans: you currently play in front of around 1,000 spectators on average. How is the atmosphere at the home games?
Adetula: Through my stations in both Essen and Braunschweig, I have of course been able to play in front of a large crowd. The fans here are still in a very good mood and I’m also convinced that if we continue to perform like this, we’ll still see one or the other Oldenburg in the stadium. And who knows, maybe we’ll soon be playing in Oldenburg in front of a larger crowd. (smiles)
Transfer market: The offensive positions are hard-fought, and the VfB squad is generally strong. What characterizes the cohesion?
Adetula: I know it from my times in Essen and Braunschweig and it never hurt a player to have competition in his position. It has even helped many, like me, to become a better player and take the chance every day to get noticed. However, it is important that there is a good atmosphere internally, as is the case with us, and no matter who is currently on the pitch, that you treat the player and cheer for the team and that nobody puts on their personal show. Of course that pushes us enormously as players when we feel the support of the entire team.
Adetula the top scorer
The squad of VfB OldenburgTo overview
Transfer market: For you personally, things have been going very well so far, with five of your own hits and thirteen assists. As your team’s top scorer, how satisfied are you with your season?
Adetula: I’m happy with my current record, but I also know that I missed a few chances. I am very ambitious and always want to surpass myself. You can build on that, and I still have a few games left. (laughs)
Transfer market: You got back on the road to success in Oldenburg. What made you so strong again?
Adetula: I worked harder on myself, did extra sessions with my personal trainer and prepared myself mentally for a lot. Of course I had the trust of those responsible and the coaching team right from the start and I was able to repay them immediately with my current performance.
No chance at BTSV and RWE: Adetula celebrates breakthrough at VfB Oldenburg
Transfer market: In contrast to the previous seasons, when things didn’t go well for you. Both in Braunschweig and in Essen, the coaches didn’t really count on you. What was the explanation for this?
Adetula: In Braunschweig I had the “bad luck” as a young player in a difficult situation to keep confidence, because at that time we were playing against relegation and there was a lot of unrest around the club. Maybe we young players weren’t believed to be able to cope with this situation either. I never really had the chance to prove my quality over a longer period of time in Essen, but I was able to take a lot with me and learn a lot from coach Christian Titz. I never let myself get down at either station and always trusted in my quality. I knew if I can’t show it there, I’ll get a chance to prove it somewhere else.
Transfer market: You have fought your way out of the “hole” and are now knocking on the door to becoming a professional footballer. What advice would you give to other players with similar experiences?
Adetula: I advise other players in difficult situations to always trust in their own quality and never allow themselves to be belittled. The environment you surround yourself with plays a hugely important role in the life of a footballer. Every negative experience brings something positive to light. It’s never too late to pursue your dreams and not every coach needs to be a fan of yours. Believe in yourself and never lose sight of yourself.
It’s incredible to be able to play as a player in front of 14,000 spectators in the regional league.
Transfer market: In Essen you could enjoy the atmosphere on Hafenstrasse. How do you absorb that as a player?
Adetula: I didn’t think there would be such an atmosphere in the regional league. I had goosebumps every time and it has always been able to motivate us as a team. We were definitely able to win games as a result. It’s incredible to be able to play as a player in front of 14,000 spectators in the regional league. When I look back, it was a very nice time that I will not forget.
Transfer market: At RWE it was over after almost a year and a half. Was there anything you could take away from this time?
Adetula: Christian Titz was a very professional and ambitious coach who had enormous football knowledge. Through him I was able to mature as a player and become more variable in my game.
Transfer market: It was similar in Braunschweig – coming from the youth, when you were a top performer for years, you hoped for a breakthrough. However, after the pros were relegated to the 3rd division, they were used almost exclusively in the Oberliga. How did you deal with the situation?
Adetula: It was important for me to get back to my playing practice and to be able to recommend myself for more with good performances. I also saw it as an opportunity that I had to use my performances in the U23s if I wanted to make it to the top.
Transfer market: Your contract in Oldenburg expires, the next personal step is being considered. Can VfB still hope that you will play there again next year?
Adetula: I know what I have here in the environment. For now I’m concentrating on the important games that lie ahead and then my agent Kevin Kyei and I will take up the subject again.
Transfer market: Based on the experiences you have made: Where do you see yourself ideally in the future?
Adetula: In three years I see myself personally in the top leagues in Germany. It doesn’t matter what league it’s in. My best footballing time is still waiting for me, until then I will work hard on myself.
Transfer market: What do you do when you’re not playing football?
Adetula: I spend a lot of time with the people around me. I also like to play darts from time to time.
Transfer market: Finally: Which experience from your football life do you remember most?
Adetula: I don’t know if it was the U19 DFB Cup win in 2016/17 with Eintracht or my debut in Braunschweig in front of 23,000 spectators. I hope that I will celebrate more such beautiful experiences in my career.
Interview: Sven Bauer (lap dog)
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