Niclas Füllkrug has been recalled to the Germany squad by Jürgen Klopp, marking his first national team call-up in over a year. The 33-year-old striker, currently on loan at West Ham, has been in impressive form, topping the Bundesliga’s scoring charts with nine goals for Werder Bremen.
Addressing Age Speculation
Füllkrug’s return comes after previous comments from Jürgen Klopp, who had suggested the striker’s age could be a disadvantage for the national team’s future development. Klopp had stated last month that while Füllkrug’s current form was undeniable, his age of 33 might not align with building a team for the long term.
At a recent press conference, Füllkrug addressed these concerns directly. He stated, “My age is a fact, but it’s not something I think about too much. I’ve spoken to the head coach about it and I didn’t take his comments personally in the slightest.” He acknowledged the national team’s focus on nurturing younger talent, adding, “We’re at a stage where the focus is on developing young players. We’ve got several players who are really making an impression at the moment, so there are plenty of options to choose from.”
Delighted to Be Back
Despite the discussions around his age, Füllkrug expressed his immense satisfaction at rejoining the national setup. His recall is a testament to his consistent performances at club level, particularly his prolific goal-scoring for Werder Bremen.
“I’m delighted to be back. It’s recognition of the work you put in and how you perform for your club. It’s great to be part of the national team again and to have the chance to train under Jürgen Klopp,” Füllkrug commented. He also noted the changes within the squad, saying, “I’ve caught up with a lot of familiar faces and met plenty of new ones too. The squad looks very different now and you can really feel how much has changed. I’m happy that I can just be myself and that people respond positively to that.”
Upcoming Nations League Fixtures
Füllkrug will now join the Germany squad for their upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures. Germany is set to face Serbia and the Netherlands in crucial matches, where Füllkrug’s goal-scoring prowess could prove vital. His inclusion provides Klopp with an experienced and in-form attacking option as the team navigates these important international encounters.