After U.S. men's national team midfielder Malik Tillman's interview with Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger, Bayer Leverkusen sporting managing director Simon Rolfes responded to the claims by the 24-year-old.
In the interview, the USMNT star addressed topics such as striker Folarin Balogun's controversial overturned red card.
Tillman mainly highlighted issues at the club regarding ex-manager Kasper Hjulmand, who took over for an abruptly fired Erik ten Hag.
"The past season has gone the way it has run. What better restart than a new season with a new coach? I can show myself again and prove myself. I'm trying to have fun again. I missed that last season," said the midfielder.
"I came back with the attitude to get to know the coach and look at the processes.
In the end, it will become clear whether I will stay or not."
The 24-year-old also addressed issues with the club's fans over the past season, feeling some of the criticism was unjustified.
"Freedom of speech must be accepted. Some criticisms were certainly justified. Sometimes, however, you could take a little more consideration, because there is a person behind every player," Tillman said about the fans.
"Whoever supports the club as a fan should support the players in good times and in bad. Some did, but a large part of the reactions were negative. I can handle criticism, but it is not always easy to bear."
A massive bombshell in the interview was when the Tillman expressed his disappointment in the club over a lack of communication while he was participating in the World Cup on home soil.
"I would have liked to have received a bit more support during the World Cup. Nobody has to write or call every day. But from time to time, I would have appreciated getting one or two more messages," said the midfielder.
However, Rolfes shared that Tillman never addressed him about his troubles and that members of the club can approach him if there are concerns.
"He didn't talk to me about it. For me, if someone doesn’t like something, it’s important that they talk to the person they have an issue with. He didn’t do that," the sporting managing director said in an interview with Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
"If someone has something serious to discuss, he has to talk to me or [club CEO] Fernando Carro."
Under contract until 2030, Tillman has a big decision ahead after an impressive World Cup campaign, where he finished second on the USMNT with two goals scored during the tournament.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Bayer Leverkusen chief responds to USMNT star Malik Tillman's criticism
