Petersen empathises with benched Bayern stars

Feb 21, 2013 11:45:00 AM

The striker believes the likes of Claudio Pizarro could waltz into any other Bundesliga line-up, and claimed he would like to remain at Werder Bremen beyond his loan

On-loan Werder Bremen striker Nils Petersen has expressed his empathy towards Bayern Munich’s benched first-team contingent.

Big names such as Mario Gomez and Arjen Robben have struggled for starts in the past few weeks having been usurped from their positions while out injured.

Petersen, who joined the Bavarians in the summer of 2011 but spent last season confined to the fringes of the squad, highlighted the plight of Claudio Pizarro, who he believes has the quality to succeed anywhere in Germany.

"It's sensational playing for Bayern," the former Energie Cottbus forward reminisced to Bild. "They are among the top five clubs in the world, and have tremendous quality. Trophies are often guaranteed every year.

"However, Pizarro just sits on the bench. It's a shame that a striker with his qualities is not playing week-in, week-out. Any other Bundesliga club would lick their lips at [the prospect of] him.

"There's something missing [when I’m not playing]. One does not feel important. Everyone wants to feel as an important part of the team.

"All the money in the world cannot change that. If you do not play, the money is not worth anything. Then you'll be unhappy.

"I want to play, that's more important. Whoever plays makes the fans happy. We [footballers] need recognition and praise. I would not want [to trade places with Pizarro], even if he can win three trophies this season."

Petersen insists he would rather remain at Werder Bremen and be ensured first-team football than return to the Allianz Arena only to be shunted back into the reserve squad.

"I cannot say [if I am wanted back] as I do not know the Bavarians' plans," he added. "All I know is that I do not want to have another year without being played.

"After Cottbus, Bayern and Werder, now I know what is important to me. I would not be ashamed if I am not deemed good enough for Bayern.

"At Bremen, I feel very comfortable. That's important to me. Therefore I would like to stay.

"Should there be no future at Bayern next season, for me, comes only Bremen in question."

Werder Bremen visit the Allianz Arena on Saturday to face the runaway Bundesliga leaders, who head into the match on the back of a 3-1 win at Arsenal in the Champions League last 16.

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