Ko Itakura faces scrutiny after red card for Borussia MG

Japanese defender Ko Itakura is facing intense criticism following a red card during Borussia MG's 1-3 loss to Hamburger SV. Itakura, who recently returned to the club from Ajax, received two yellow cards in the 38th and 49th minutes, resulting in an ejection.

Borussia MG is currently struggling at the bottom of the Bundesliga, having conceded 25 goals through nine matches. Reports from German media, including Bild, have questioned the success of Itakura's return, noting a significant disparity in defensive performance: the team conceded 19 goals in the five matches Itakura started, compared to only 6 goals in the four matches he missed.

Club Sporting Director Ruben Schroeder expressed disappointment regarding the red card, noting that as an experienced player and Japan national team captain, Itakura should have handled the situation differently. Itakura now faces a potential loss of his starting position as the club seeks to stabilize its defense.