'Nice he was there' - Jonathan Burkardt reacts to Klopp presence following Mainz showing

Jonathan Burkardt believes his performances for Eintracht Frankfurt are giving him the best possible chance of earning further international recognition after helping his side to victory over former club Mainz.

The Frankfurt striker was quizzed by DAZN after the game about Jürgen Klopp being in attendance and whether he was beginning to think about a potential nomination in the coming days.

Burkardt insisted that possibility had not been on his mind, instead stressing that his focus remains on producing for Frankfurt.

“I hadn’t even thought about that, I have to say,” Burkardt said.

“It was nice that he was there.

“I try to put myself forward through my performances for Frankfurt. I think I’m in good form, and then he’s welcome to make his decisions. He will.”

Burkardt was also asked about Frankfurt moving away from using a two-striker system, but the forward insisted the tactical change has made little difference to his own game.

“For me, it doesn’t change much, I have to say,” he added.

“Whether I play alone or as part of a two, I think I can do both and I enjoy both.”

The striker also expressed sympathy for his attacking teammate after he was left out of the starting line-up despite impressing in Frankfurt’s previous two matches.

“He didn’t deserve to be sitting on the bench today, you have to say that clearly,” Burkardt said.

“He had two outstanding games and has now, to some extent, become a victim of the team selection.

“I feel sorry for him. So, yes, I hope the lad will be playing alongside me again soon.”