German striker Niclas Füllkrug has admitted in recent hours that it was the signing of Guinean Serhou Guirassy that, in some way, caused his departure from Borussia Dortmund. “I always want to offer a certain level of transparency. I want the fans to understand me, but I also don’t want to step on anyone’s toes. Of course, there are several reasons why I thought about a change. The signing that BVB made (of Guirassy) is not the greatest sign of confidence I can have from the coach.”he explained.
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The West Ham striker added that the departure of other players such as Mats Hummels and Marco Reus also played a decisive role in making the final decision. “Borussia lost a lot of identity in the summer”he added at a press conference held during his training camp with the German national team.
Füllkrug’s comments shed light on the underlying dynamics at Borussia Dortmund that prompted his move. The arrival of Serhou Guirassy indicated a shift in the club’s attacking strategy, one that perhaps did not align with Füllkrug’s ambitions or role within the team. As a player who thrives on being trusted by the coaching staff, this transfer may have signaled to him a diminishing of his importance in the squad.
In addition to Guirassy’s signing, the departures of seasoned players like Mats Hummels and Marco Reus have undoubtedly altered the fabric and leadership core of the team. Hummels and Reus have long been figures of stability and identity for Dortmund, and their exits could leave a void both on and off the pitch. Füllkrug’s acknowledgment of this loss of identity reflects concerns that the team may be in a transition phase, one that could affect performance and cohesion.
As he prepares for upcoming international duties with the German national team, Füllkrug’s thoughts on his club experience highlight the complexity of player movements in football. His remarks resonate with many fans who may feel a sense of nostalgia for Dortmund’s iconic players and their contributions to the club’s legacy. The balance between new signings and maintaining a sense of identity will be crucial for Borussia Dortmund moving forward.
As the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how both Füllkrug’s performance at West Ham and Dortmund’s evolving squad dynamics impact their respective ambitions.