Kruse: ‘Worst phase is behind me’
Stuttgart - Robbie Kruse’s Bundesliga career has been the definition of a rollercoaster ride, but having joined VfB Stuttgart on loan for the remainder of 2015/16, the Australian international is hoping to continue his ascent without facing the dreaded drop-off at the summit.
‘Worst phase is behind me’
"The past couple of years didn’t go so well, not least because I was out of action again and again,” Kruse told vfb.de in regard to spending a combined 301 days side-lined through injuries during his first two years with Bayer 04 Leverkusen. “Now I am 100 per cent fit again.”
Having torn ligaments in both his knee and his ankle since joining die Werkself in 2013, Kruse is simply eager to get back to doing what he does best. “Above all else [I’m looking forward to] playing football,” continued the 26-year-old. “My worst phase is behind me now and I feel fit and strong.”
After being reduced to playing a bit-part role off the bench for Bayer 04, it made sense that Kruse would seek regular first-team football elsewhere. “I got too little match time in Leverkusen. Then VfB showed an interest in me - such a big club, with a wonderful history and such passionate fans. I’ve always liked VfB. That made my decision a very easy one."
‘Mitch is a good friend’
The Brisbane native has fond memories of the Mercedes Benz Arena having played his “first away game in the Bundesliga in Stuttgart”. Furthermore, he also boasts a friendly face amongst his team-mates in the form of fellow Aussie Mitchell Langerak. “He is a good friend of mine and he confirmed my decision for me. He spoke very positively about the club, about the team and about the facilities here.”
With ideal conditions to work with and injuries hopefully being a thing of the past, Kruse has just one priority. “Now I want to get back on the pitch regularly and be successful." With no points from their opening three games of the 53rd Bundesliga campaign, Stuttgart could certainly do with some success and will be hoping the Socceroo can play his part in clawing the club out of their current crisis.
