Stuttgart manager Hannes Wolf has again questioned the attributes of Alexandru Maxim ahead todays Württemberg Derby against Karlsruher. Maxim has struggled to hold down a place in Wolf’s team this season, and subsequently the player has been linked with a move to Leeds United.
Echo24 have reported on comments Wolf made when he was quizzed about Maxim coming back into the team due to Carlos Mane’s injury.
The Stuttgart manager recognises Maxim’s qualities, but still has concerns over the Romania international’s defensive contribution for his side. Wolf believes Maxim plays to his own intensity, which is sometimes not beneficial to the team.
“The subject with Alex is always the intensity in which he plays,” said Wolf.
Wolf in recent months has hinted Maxim can leave the German club if offers come in for the attacking midfielder. Leeds United have been showing an interest in the Romanian since the last transfer window, when they held informal talks with his agent.
A move for Maxim in January was never really going to happen, but a transfer in the summer is looking likely. Leeds United and Club America were the two clubs linked with Maxim in the last window, and it’s likely there will be more interest in the summer.
It’s couldn’t be clearer that Wolf, for whatever reason, doesn’t like Maxim one bit, and he’ll use every opportunity to talk the player down. Wolf is probably annoyed that he’s continually asked about Maxim, but that’s because he’s considered one of Stuttgart’s most talented players.
Carlos Mane’s defensive contribution certainly isn’t apparent enough to make Wolf’s criticisms of Maxim make perfect sense. Just because Wolf talks the player down, Leeds United shouldn’t shelve their interest, because the issue almost seems personal.
In the first part of the season, Maxim was excellent. Wolf took over Stuttgart on September 20th, and in the three matches previous to that, Maxim contributed 2 assists and picked up a Man of the Match award.
In Wolf’s first two matches, Maxim added two more assists, but then, inexplicably for many, he started to be edged out.
Garry Monk was interested in Maxim when manager of Swansea City, and took that interest to Leeds United. With a transfer looking nailed on, it’s got to be considered likely Monk will take a another look at the situation.
