Deniz Undav Responds to Criticism After Scoring Against Gladbach

Striker Faces Public Scrutiny

Every forward knows the relentless pressure that follows a dry spell in front of goal. This is especially true for Stuttgart’s Deniz Undav, who has recently felt the sting of public commentary following a few unremarkable performances.

Reaction to Recent Performance

Last week saw Undav struggle in a Europa League match against Roma, where his team lost 2-0, and he failed to capitalize on several scoring opportunities. Additionally, he could not find the back of the net in VfB’s Bundesliga game against Union Berlin, where the match ended in a 1-1 draw.

As a result, criticism of his ability began to resurface in various media outlets, which did not sit well with the striker.

Celebrating a Comeback

In a decisive 3-0 victory over Gladbach on Sunday, Undav made a statement by scoring once again. His celebration was notable: he performed a gesture with his right hand that appeared to be communicating something while his left hand slapped the other.

After the match, he expressed his frustration during an interview with DAZN. “After just two games without a goal, I suddenly became a poor striker—simply because I missed a few opportunities. I wonder: which player scores every single chance?” he remarked.

Acknowledgment of Past Misses

Undav specifically referred to the backlash he received following his underwhelming display against Roma. He admitted to self-reflection, recognizing that he indeed failed to take certain scoring chances during that game.

“Everyone has their opinions, including the media. Criticism is part of the game,” he acknowledged. “If I hadn’t scored prior to these games and then missed opportunities, perhaps that would be justifiable.” He pointed out that he has been in good form since November, having netted twelve goals across all competitions.

Conclusion

“Receiving so much backlash after just two games—both from fans and the media—about my abilities as a striker feels overwhelming. Some remarked that I’m incapable, and it’s disheartening,” he stated after his team’s emphatic win. “Sometimes, I just wish people would think before they speak.”