Werder Coach Thioune Backs Füllkrug’s DFB Return After Klopp Comments

Werder Bremen manager Daniel Thioune has welcomed the ongoing public debate regarding a potential national team return for striker Niclas Füllkrug, backing national coach Jürgen Klopp to make the correct tactical selection. Füllkrug currently shares the Bundesliga scoring lead with six goals after returning to Bremen on a loan deal during the summer transfer window.

Thioune Backs Klopp Over Füllkrug Selection Dilemma

Speaking ahead of Bremen’s away fixture in Mainz, Daniel Thioune told dpa that he supported Jürgen Klopp’s recent assessment of the forward. Klopp had noted during a DAZN broadcast in Munich that while Füllkrug is scoring regularly, his age remains a factor, pointing to Lionel Messi playing in a World Cup at 40 as a precedent for older players. Thioune emphasized that squad selection ultimately depends on team DNA and tactical fit, stating that the national coach deserves full trust to make the right call.

Füllkrug has earned 24 caps and scored 14 goals for Germany, but he has not featured for the national team since June of last year. Thioune noted that the forward is not actively chasing the national team dream after already fulfilling it, but added that we all know that Niclas stands at the ready. The Bremen coach also remarked that he would not be upset if Füllkrug eventually found his way back into the national setup in any capacity.

Bundesliga Form Versus National Team Strategy

Füllkrug shares the top of the German scoring charts alongside Patrik Schick, with both players netting six goals so far this season. Despite that prolific club form, Klopp addressed the forward’s international prospects by highlighting the balance between current performance and future planning. Niclas Füllkrug scores one goal after the other in the Bundesliga, but is 33. That is not my fault, Klopp said on DAZN, explaining that the coaching staff must weigh the present against short-term and long-term squad planning.

Thioune acknowledged that the constant media inquiries regarding a DFB recall have grown tiresome for the player, noting that the Hannover-born striker prefers not to answer questions on the topic repeatedly. However, Thioune maintained that he is happy to address it because Füllkrug remains one of the top German strikers currently active, rendering player age irrelevant.

Werder Bremen Faces Mainz on Saturday

Werder Bremen travels to face Mainz on Saturday at 15:30 CET, a fixture broadcast live on Sky, with Füllkrug expected to lead the attack as the team looks to maintain its domestic momentum. The discussion surrounding the striker’s international future remains open as the Bundesliga season progresses toward the winter schedule.