Speaking to kicker, VfB Stuttgart striker Deniz Undav has spoken about how the players are trying to deal with Nick Woltemade amid speculation surrounding his future and Bayern Munich rumours.
When asked if he would be happy if his strike partner last season were to move to Bayern, Undav said:
“Not at all. We’re very happy to have him.”
Adding:
“We’re trying to talk to him. We all want to help him stay clear-headed. It’s completely understandable that a player is concerned when FC Bayern calls.”
The 28-year-old was then asked if he had given any advice to Woltemade about the rumours:
“I wrote to him once or twice before training camp and told him not to read so much, not to look left and right, not to worry about whether the fans still like him. He should just stop worrying and just give it his all.”
Undav, who joined Stuttgart permanently last summer from Brighton, following a successful loan at Mercedesstraße, struggled last season, but his form picked up towards the end, and he played a key role in Stuttgart’s DFB Pokal win back in May. On whether he received any interest when it came to his future, Undav was able to see the funny side:
“With nine goals and three assists, it’s hard to get offers. Honestly, I have no intention of moving.”
Adding:
“I swear, I don’t have those thoughts, not at all. I love VfB, I completely identify with the club, with the fans. I love being here and playing great football. You never know what the future holds. But I know I’m happy. And when I’m happy, it’s hard to get me anywhere.”
Following Stuttgart’s DFB Pokal win, they qualified for the Europa League. If they can show the quality that they are able to offer, they could be among the favourites to win the whole competition. On their goal in UEFA’s secondary competition, Undav said:
“We definitely want to go far. A lot is possible. If we stay injury-free, we can also compete in the Europa League.”
Stuttgart begin their season in 12 days, where they will face Bayern Munich in the newly named Franz Beckenbauer Super Cup. This will be the second time in a row they have played in the season opener as last year they lost to Bayer Leverkusen on penalties.
GGFN | Jack Meenan
