Germany striker Niclas Füllkrug has criticized the national team’s public treatment over its performances and exit from the group stage at the World Cup in Qatar.
Füllkrug told Wednesday’s edition of the weekly Sport Bild that he found it ‘quite appalling how much ill will was shown by the national team in Germany – after the match with Japan and later after their first round exit. I find this extremely unfortunate .”
The Werder Bremen forward was called up to the squad for the first time for the World Cup where he scored twice. Germany made an early exit after losing 2-1 to Japan, drawing 1-1 with Spain and winning 4-2 from a 2-1 draw against Costa Rica.
The Germans have criticized the team, but have also been critical of World Cup hosts Qatar for its human rights record and have shown much less interest in this World Cup than in previous editions.
Füllkrug added that public opinion was also very much against the team four years ago in Russia when Germany went out in the group stage alongside the holders.
He said he has the feeling that “the national team sometimes wants failure rather than success.
“I don’t know why. I can only say one thing: every player on the pitch is incredibly proud to wear the Germany shirt,” he said.