What will become of Max Kruse? He returned to VfL Wolfsburg, at least for a short time. However, not to play football, but to have his thigh injury examined. At 1. FC Union, manager Ruhnert speaks highly of him – but doesn't want him back.
Max Kruse paid a visit to VfL Wolfsburg. His employer, for whom he is no longer allowed to work after being suspended by coach Niko Kovac in September. He still has duties, this time it was about an MRI scan of his leg. On September 27, he suffered a "serious muscle injury" in his thigh during training, which has not yet healed.
Of course, his bad leg doesn't prevent him from playing poker. And so Kruse is currently pursuing his hobby at the World Series of Poker Europe in the Czech Republic. But he had to interrupt the tournament in Rozvadov, about 150 kilometers north-east of Nuremberg, for the investigation. It has long been clear: he will no longer play for VfL Wolfsburg.
"But you know, people. I'm not in such a hurry now that it depends on one or the other week," he joked about his downtime after the initial diagnosis. The termination of his contract, which expires on June 30, 2023, will probably not happen, instead Kruse is aiming for a change. But this could be a challenge for the 34-year-old.
He will probably not get a new contract in the Bundesliga. His ex-club Werder Bremen will not take him back, nor will 1. FC Union Berlin. Manager Oliver Ruhnert has ruled out a return. "There are no economic reasons why I wouldn't bring him back, but I always think that when a player has left us, I think the appeal is no longer the same. And that would be unwise for both sides," said Ruhnert. In Berlin, however, there is absolutely no resentment against Kruse: "We had no problem with Kruse. Quite the opposite. Max Kruse integrated well. I'm glad Max was here," said Ruhnert. The sale to Wolfsburg "wasn't the worst deal for us."
Ruhnert's words of praise could perhaps encourage other clubs to make a transfer. "Max Kruse helped us a lot here. He played a huge part in certain successes," emphasized the 50-year-old. Kruse "exceeded" Union expectations. It is not unlikely that the striker will be drawn to the USA. His son lives there and has praised the country in the past.
Los Angeles FC appears to be interested, at least according to coach Steven Cherundolo. The former Bundesliga professional had raved about Kruse immediately after his suspension: "A player with such qualities should be an issue for every team. Also for LAFC." There Kruse would play alongside Gareth Bale and Giorgio Chiellini.
