There were a number of disappointed faces at the training ground on Thursday morning as Werder Bremen striker Niclas Füllkrug trained individually, rather than with the team. Many fans were hoping for an autograph or a photo with the forward, who has become more and more popular among fans after scoring six goals in six games for the Germany national team.
Speaking to the media on Thursday, Füllkrug said there was no magic recipe behind his good start to life with the national team. The striker acknowledged that one factor was to look at both the positives and the negatives and find areas to improve, while always working on himself. “But obviously it depends on the team, which has a very good chemistry and has taken me in really well,” said Füllkrug, who is now pleased to be back in Bremen and tackling the Bundesliga. “We want to end the season as successfully as possibly. We have nine games left and we want to pick up a many points as possible.”
Füllkrug on his return to SVW:
— SV Werder Bremen EN (@werderbremen_en) March 30, 2023
"I'm looking forward to playing our type of football again and really enjoy being on the pitch with the boys. I'm also looking forward to Sunday where we'll look to play attacking football once again."#werderpic.twitter.com/7liLh18PmR
Füllkrug has taken on a role as a leader both in the national team and at Werder. He’s an influential character who leads the way both on and off the pitch. “I try to full that role to the best of my ability; it’s gone well so far.” For many people, the striker has become an idol thanks to his performances in the national team, and there is a large interest around him at the moment. “I like that I’m being perceived in a positive light, because that shows how I’m coming across. That’s the kind of person I am. I’m not someone who pretends to be someone else or tries to be something that I’m not, so it’s really nice that I’m coming across well to others,” said the 30-year-old.
Despite all the hype surrounding him, Füllkrug finds support in his surroundings. His family in particular ensures that he remains positive yet grounded and he himself can also see both sides of the coin. The successful side, and the side when things aren’t going too well. At the same time, the striker sees it as an advantage to experience this phase of his career not as a young player, but with a certain maturity. “I think I can take a good view of things and always look at things with a realistic approach, regardless of how much hype or hate there is in that moment.”
