Kölner Express: Gisdol requires more convincing from Max Meyer
An article appearing in the Tuesday edition of the Kölner Express reports that sporting director Horst Heldt and head coach Markus Gisdol were of different minds when it came to the January acquisition of Max Meyer.
Former Schalke 04 and German national team attacker Max Meyer has barely been used in four matches since returning to the Bundesliga on a free transfer three weeks ago. Even in the DFB fixture against Jahn Regensburg, the Oberhausen native played only the final 15 minutes.
One potential reason for this, according to an article in a local Köln newspaper, is that Effzeh trainer Markus Gisdol primarily considers the 25-year-old to be a central midfielder at this stage of his career. The piece goes on to note that Gisdol, having some depth at this position, remained quite skeptical about the merits of procuring him during the transfer window.
Sporting director Horst Heldt evidently convinced Gisdol that making a play for the former national team prodigy would be a good idea. Thus far, however, the Gießböcke trainer has become convinced enough to deploy the new arrival on the pitch. While the reasons Meyer spent the better part of three years on the Crystal Palace bench are unclear, early indications suggest another trainer needs to observe something different on the training pitch.
Administrator Heldt remains optimistic. The manager is quoted in the article as saying that "Max will get his playing time," and suggested that Gisdol did not wish to tinker with the squad too much after the surprise derby victory against Borussia Mönchengladbach. Gisdol opted for Tolu Arokodare instead of Meyer when plotting a comeback against Frankfurt in the most recent league round.
Having had his contract terminated with the South London EPL side, Meyer's arrangement with the cathedral city club only runs through the end of the season. It stands to reason that he understands the tantamount importance of proving himself on the pitch as soon as possible. With only 13 rounds left, the new Domstädter faces a limited timetable to angle for a contract extension or showcase his skills for a new club.