In a noteworthy shift within the world of German football, Max Kruse, the seasoned forward and former Bundesliga star, has publicly reversed his previously critical stance on fellow player Davie Selke. Once skeptical of the Hamburger SV’s decision to sign Selke, who joined the team from Hertha BSC, Kruse’s newfound appreciation for the striker comes on the heels of an impressive season performance.
Back in the summer of 2024, Kruse did not hold back his criticism. He took aim at the HSV management during an episode of his podcast, Flatterball, where he voiced concern over Selke’s ability to contribute positively to the team. He articulated, “It looks so clumsy during the game, as if he’s not participating in the match,” reflecting his disbelief regarding Selke’s potential effectiveness on the pitch.
Moreover, Kruse expressed his bewilderment towards the scouting team, questioning: “I always wonder what the scouts or the clubs say. I don’t really understand the transfer.” These comments initiated a wave of attention toward Kruse’s skepticism about Selke’s capabilities. However, as the 2024-2025 season progressed, Selke proved his critics wrong, tallying 17 goals in the league.
On March 20, 2025, in a recent edition of his podcast, Kruse admitted to undergoing a change of heart. “It doesn’t surprise me anymore; it blows me away what Davie Selke is doing in Hamburg. It’s fantastic,” he stated, signaling a bright shift in his outlook on the player.
Selke, for his part, appeared unfazed by Kruse’s previous remarks. In an interview from January 2025, he stated that he wasn’t particularly concerned about what Kruse said: “Honestly, what he talks about me in his podcast doesn’t bother me much.” He suggested that if Kruse had been paying attention throughout the first half of the season, he might reconsider his earlier opinions about Selke.
Now, with Selke’s stellar performance sparking praise, Kruse even publicly expressed support for HSV’s potential promotion to the Bundesliga, saying, “If the table looks like this at the end after 25 matchdays – I would find it really great.”
Despite the former rivalry, Kruse acknowledges that the HSV belongs in the first league. He highlighted his respect for the club, stating, “The HSV is a Bundesliga team.”
Yet, there remains ongoing tension regarding Selke’s future with HSV. As of March 20, 2025, negotiations between the club and Selke over a new contract have been escalating for months, with both sides expressing a desire to continue their relationship. However, complications have arisen in discussions, leading to increased uncertainty about Selke’s tenure at HSV.
The current discussions reflect both optimism and apprehension within Hamburg's soccer circles, as fans speculate on Selke’s next steps. With his burgeoning reputation, many see him as an integral part of the club's push for top-flight soccer status.
In summary, the transformation in Kruse’s perception of Selke highlights the dynamic nature of football, where players can quickly become stars in public opinion based on performance. It remains to be seen how current contract negotiations will impact Selke’s future at HSV and whether he and Kruse can further shape the football narrative in Hamburg.
