Sport Nation 2Niclas Fullkrug’s arrival at West Ham United during the summer transfer window was one of the club’s most ambitious moves. After a stellar season with Borussia Dortmund, the Germany international forward seemed poised to make a significant impact in the Premier League. However, things have not gone according to plan. Fullkrug has admitted that his time at West Ham has started off “really bad,” and he has revealed the reasons behind his struggles.
A Challenging Start at West Ham
The 31-year-old Fullkrug has only managed to make four appearances across all competitions for West Ham this season, primarily due to ongoing injury issues. His absence was keenly felt in the recent 4-1 loss to Tottenham Hotspur, a match in which West Ham’s attack looked toothless without their new signing. While the team had high hopes for Fullkrug, his time in East London has so far been marred by setbacks, both physically and mentally.
Speaking to German outlet DeichStube, Fullkrug explained why he believes his start at West Ham has been disappointing. The primary reason, according to the forward, is the lack of proper rest and recovery time following an intense 2023/24 season.
The Toll of a Long 2023/24 Season
Niclas Fullkrug’s previous season was nothing short of exhausting. He played over 50 matches for both Borussia Dortmund and the German national team. Dortmund made it all the way to the UEFA Champions League final, and Germany reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. Fullkrug, a key figure in both campaigns, was pushed to his physical limits throughout the season. By the time summer came, he had little time to recuperate before joining West Ham.
“I had a really bad start,” Fullkrug admitted. “I moved to London to West Ham after a very short summer break and after an intensive year last season. I think I played 57 games last season.” Fullkrug’s lack of rest was compounded by the fact that he transferred to West Ham only a week and a half before the Premier League season kicked off.
With only a few training sessions at Borussia Dortmund before making the move to London, Fullkrug acknowledged that he wasn’t fully prepared to take on the challenges of a new league. “I had a rocket start because I moved here a week and a half before the start of the Premier League season and had a few sessions at BVB,” he said. The rapid transition has left him struggling to find his form and adapt to the demands of Premier League football.
Injuries and Recovery
In addition to the fatigue from the previous season, Fullkrug has also been plagued by injuries since his arrival at West Ham. These injuries have kept him on the sidelines for much of the early campaign, preventing him from making a consistent impact on the pitch. Despite these setbacks, Fullkrug remains optimistic about his recovery and future contributions to the team.
“I’m working very hard for it; I’m undergoing treatment and I’m getting good support at West Ham,” he said. “I just hope that I’ll get fit again as soon as possible and can finally play in the Premier League on a permanent basis and show what I’m capable of there too.”
West Ham manager Julen Lopetegui and the club’s medical staff are reportedly taking a cautious approach with Fullkrug’s fitness. Given his track record of injuries, the focus is on ensuring that he returns to full health before being reintegrated into the squad. Fullkrug’s fitness issues have raised concerns about his long-term availability, but both the player and the club remain hopeful that he will be able to turn things around once he’s fully recovered.
The Need for Patience at West Ham
While Fullkrug’s start at West Ham has been far from ideal, it’s important to remember that the forward has a proven track record of success. Last season, he scored 16 goals in 46 appearances across all competitions, including 12 goals in 31 Bundesliga matches. In addition to his goal-scoring ability, Fullkrug also provided 10 assists, making him a versatile and productive forward at the highest level of European football.
West Ham signed Fullkrug with the hope that he would bring this level of performance to the Premier League. However, injuries and a lack of pre-season preparation have delayed his integration into the squad. As frustrating as the situation might be, West Ham will need to exercise patience with Fullkrug as he works his way back to full fitness.
Given his experience and proven quality, there’s every reason to believe that Fullkrug can still be a valuable asset for West Ham once he’s fully fit. The 31-year-old forward has demonstrated that he can score goals and contribute to team play at the highest levels of European football. If he can overcome his current injury woes, there’s a good chance he’ll start delivering for West Ham in the near future.
West Ham’s Struggles Without Fullkrug
Fullkrug’s absence has had a noticeable impact on West Ham’s performances this season. The team’s attack has often lacked a focal point, particularly in the recent 4-1 defeat to Tottenham. Without Fullkrug leading the line, West Ham have struggled to find consistency in front of goal, which has contributed to their underwhelming start to the campaign.
The club has reportedly already started looking for alternatives in the January transfer window. Fotis Ioannidis, a promising striker, is one of the names being linked as a potential replacement for Fullkrug. This speculation highlights the uncertainty surrounding Fullkrug’s future at the club and raises questions about whether West Ham are willing to wait for him to regain full fitness or move on to other options.
Conclusion
Niclas Fullkrug’s start at West Ham has been difficult, marked by injuries and a lack of pre-season preparation. However, it’s crucial to remember that the German international has the quality and experience to succeed at the highest level. Fullkrug himself has acknowledged his “really bad” start but remains committed to working hard and getting back to full fitness. West Ham, meanwhile, must exercise patience as their star signing recovers from his early setbacks.
With a proven track record of scoring goals and assisting teammates, Fullkrug has the potential to turn things around and become a key player for West Ham once he’s fully fit. As the Premier League season progresses, the hope is that Fullkrug can overcome his fitness issues and finally show what he’s capable of in English football. If he can do so, West Ham will have a powerful and versatile forward in their ranks, capable of making a significant impact both in the Premier League and beyond.
Sport nation
Amina Umar