Behrens speaks on whistles from FCU fans and national team prospects
After being whistled down by the 1. FC Union Berlin supporters at his recent visit to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei, VfL Wolfsburg striker Kevin Behrens attempted to clarify comments he made shortly after transferring from the German capital to the northern Autostadt.
The 33-year-old also spoke on his very brief appearance with the German national team in October, admitting that he certainly wasn't expecting another call up in his current form. Behrens still hasn't netted a goal since match-day two of the current campaign.
Some 13 days after completing his transfer away from Köpenick, VfL Wolfsburg striker Kevin Behrens found himself the target of jeers and whistles whenever he touched the ball during his return visit to the Stadion An der Alten Försterei. FCU supporters were clearly displeased with some comments Behrens made shortly after his transfer that were published on the VfL website. The 33-year-old noted that Wolfsburg was a "more professional club".
The 33-year-old also spoke on his very brief appearance with the German national team in October, admitting that he certainly wasn't expecting another call up in his current form. Behrens still hasn't netted a goal since match-day two of the current campaign.
"I was a bit disappointed that somepeople whistled," Behrens told German footballing journalist Thomas Hiete of Germany's Kicker Magazine, "I'm not used to that from the fans. I've never heard a whistle against a Union player. Maybe some people resented me for leaving in a difficult situation."
"It wasn't about the people there," Behrens continued with reference his statement on professionalism, "but more about the infrastructure. In any event, people interpret it as they wish and everyone has the right to whistle."
When it came to the striker's own slumping from, Behrens called it "annoying" that he hadn't managed to score a goal since Union's match-day two encounter against SV Darmstadt 98. A hat-trick on opening day left him with four league tallies through the first two rounds of the season and, eventually, a call up to the German national team.
Behrens made clear in his comments to Hiete that he did not expect to receive another call-up in March. Noting that he had been in contact with Bundestrainer Julian Nagelsmann, the man who only made his debut as a full professional at the age of 27 sought to put the rise of his career in context.
"I'm happy and grateful that I was able to experience it," Behrens said, "Of course, you can always make it again, but it's obviously going to be difficult. Right now [my goal drought] keeps me busy."
"I've never defined myself solely in terms of goals," he continued, "I work a lot for the team and try to open up spaces for my teammates. One nevertheless does wonder sometimes why the ball won't go in."