The transfer of Max Kruse from Union Berlin to VfL Wolfsburg triggered discussions. Why did the 33-year-old switch from fourth in the table to a relegation candidate? Kruse himself now reveals the background – and also talks about the problems he had his first time in Wolfsburg.
For a long time he had not spoken on the streaming platform Twitch, but on Tuesday evening the time had come again. Max Kruse went live, answering questions from users that went far beyond football (“I’ve never changed a light bulb”). Mostly sporting, Kruse talked about …
.. the last-minute switch from Union to VfL: the transfer came as a surprise to most. One day before the end of the transfer period, Kruse bid farewell to the fourth-placed team in the table as top scorer and moved to Wolfsburg in 15th place. “I’m sure it was four or five days before that,” says Kruse, explaining that he had first made contact with VfL. But he had already had a winter move in mind. He informed Union managing director Oliver Ruhnert “as early as the beginning of January that something might come up”. I’m also sorry that it happened at the last minute, but I can’t change anything.
“I don’t care if they call me mercenary or money vulture “
.. the reasons for his departure: “Three decisive points” are cited by Kruse. It was already clear that he would not have stayed at Union, where his contract was expiring, beyond the summer anyway. “Everyone actually already knew that I would not sign a new contract in the summer. That has its reasons, that was independent of the offer from Wolfsburg.” On top of that, the footballer cites “the financial aspect” as well as “the chapter I still have open. “
He is referring to his first time in a VfL jersey in the 2015/16 season. “Back then I didn’t have my best time, both on and off the pitch. In every club I played for, things actually went totally positive for me.” Not so at Wolfsburg, where he fell out of favour with numerous misdemeanours off the football field. “It didn’t go well because of many things. Certainly also my fault, certainly also the fault of the commanders in Wolfsburg at the time.” This probably means managing director Klaus Allofs and coach Dieter Hecking, who were not happy with Kruse’s lifestyle. Now the offensive man hopes that his second spell at VfL will be a success story. “Everything I started well, I want to finish well. That’s the open chapter I still have in Wolfsburg. “
“Did you just shoot from five metres four metres beside the goal? “
.. the financial factor in his move: the fact that Kruse is being portrayed by some as a mercenary is rubbing off on him. “I don’t care if people call me a mercenary or a money vulture,” he stresses and is convinced: “Anyone would probably do the same.” Nevertheless, the 33-year-old, who already highlighted the “highly remunerated contract” presented by VfL on the day of his transfer, admits: “The money plays a role, I’m not 20 now. I don’t have that many years left. I play football until 35. Normal employees probably work until 65. Of course I get by on my money, no question about that. But the bottom line is that you only have two or three years left. And you try to get the best out of it. “
.. his start with VfL: Kruse celebrated his debut on Sunday in the 4-1 win against bottom of the table Fürth. “I hope we get our act together now,” says Kruse, “that was a start.” However, the veteran warns at the same time: “We shouldn’t think now that we have everything behind us. We only have 24 points.” His goal: “I have to start a series with VfL.” Wolfsburg take on Frankfurt on Saturday.
… his missed goal chance against Fürth: Shortly after the break, Kruse missed a top-class chance when he missed free with his strong left foot. Inexplicable, also for Kruse himself. “I had a kink in my optics,” he recounts. “In the corner of my right eye I see the goal, but I see it about five metres to the left. Then I shot along.” And afterwards asked himself: “Did you just shoot from five metres four metres beside the goal? “
.. his shirt number: 10 plays a big role for Kruse, but since this season it has been given to Lukas Nmecha in Wolfsburg. So the winter newcomer now chose 9. Will there be a number swap in the summer? “For me, the 9 is a classic push forward, that’s not me,” Kruse explains. “I would like to have the 10, that’s my number. But it’s taken. What happens in the summer, I don’t know. I will definitely ask him. But if Lukas wants to keep the 10, then he stays with the 10. He decides – I’m just not Cristiano Ronaldo. “
.. Interest from Bayern and BVB: The professional footballer is asked whether he has ever had an offer from Bayern Munich. And Kruse confirms without naming a date: “It wasn’t really an offer, but there was contact.” The same goes for Borussia Dortmund: “I’ve had talks with them before, but that was a bit longer ago.
