As Rot-Weiss Essen announced on Saturday, Dennis Grote was suspended from training and matches for the last two games of the year. He had previously approached his club with thoughts of a change.
Rumours about Grote’s move from Essen had already been heard in recent days, but now the club from Hafenstraße itself confirmed the veteran’s thoughts: “Dennis Grote informed RWE club officials a few days ago about Preußen Münster’s existing interest in a move during the winter break of the 2021/2022 season,” RWE announced in a statement on Saturday.
Change “categorically” cancelled
A possible transfer, which the league rival of the Essen club wanted to make palatable to the 35-year-old Grote with a “professional follow-up perspective”, according to RWE sports director Jörn Nowak, was put on hold in the Ruhr region. Nowak as well as board member Marcus Uhlig and coach Christian Neidhart had “categorically rejected” the offer.
In addition, the midfielder, who had contributed his Bundesliga experience in 18 games so far this season, was initially not allowed to take part in RWE’s training and match activities. “With all due understanding, we have to make the best decisions for RWE within the framework of our overall responsibility. This also includes the temporary release of Dennis,” Nowak justified this step.
Pause for reflection for the captain
In addition to giving Grote the chance to “become completely clear about his short- and medium-term professional future”, the main hope was “not to jeopardise the team’s full sporting concentration on the last two games”. Apparently with success: After a clear 6:1 against Bonner SC, Essen also won the last game of the year with 1:0 at SV Straelen on Saturday.
Internal consultations on Grote’s future are now to take place in the coming days. After 20 games, RWE are at the top of the Regionalliga West with 47 points – two points ahead of third-placed Preußen Münster.
