Wolfsburg slams Bendtner of being lazy but defended Draxler

Wolfsburg sporting director Klaus Allofs has accused Nicklas
Bendtner of not "doing his homework" during the mid-
season break, but has defended  Julian Draxler over a
similar lack of fitness.

Draxler, who joined from Schalke in the close-season, and
Bendtner were made to do additional running work after
Allofs stated the duo failed to follow a set programme during
the Bundesliga's lengthy winter hiatus.

However, Allofs stated that Draxler must be allowed some
leniency due to it being his first campaign with Wolfsburg,
but was less than impressed with Bendtner's attitude.

"We have to see both cases in a different way," Allofs told
reporters. "Julian is a young player who has completed his
first move in his career. Sadly he didn't give 100 per
cent over the past weeks.

"But he was not lazy in any kind. You have to distinguish in
this case. In general you can say that we have our rules and
you have to stick with them for 100 per cent.

"The consequence is that he has to work a bit more than the
others. But again, he is far from being lazy. He is a young
player in a new environment. So you have to get new
experiences. The subject is already done. No problems
there.

"With Nicklas it’s a bit different. He is old enough and
completed his tasks only slightly. So you have to speak
about it. Sometimes the person understands you,
sometimes rather not.
"Nicklas knew what to expect when you don't do your
homework in the holidays. It is sad, because he is sending
signals."

Bendtner's future at the Volkswagen Arena remains
shrouded in doubt and Championship side Hull City are the
latest team to be linked with his services.

Steve Bruce - who managed Bendtner at Birmingham City
and Sunderland - confirmed his interest in the former Arsenal striker, but concedes he may be outside the club's remit.

"I've had Nicklas twice, I don't know if he is available, people
are assuming things," Bruce said. "If he did become
available then I would certainly be interested, at this moment I don't think he is.

"Certainly, we wouldn't be able to buy Nicklas and I assume
in the Bundesliga he will probably be on too big a salary for
us to think about it.

"He's someone I've liked as a player, I've had him twice
before. If he was available and came for a tenner a week or
whatever I'd be>