World Cup star Tillman criticizes ex-Leverkusen coach and fans as he leaves future open | OneFootball

USA international Malik Tillman made a revealing interview with Kölner Stadtanzeiger as he confirmed he’d have left Bayer Leverkusen had Kasper Hjulmand stayed at the club. The 24-year-old also said most of the criticism he faced from Leverkusen fans were irrational.

Tillman responded with "Probably not!" when he was asked he’d still be at Leverkusen without the change of coach. The interview could result in unrest at Leverkusen, with only a couple of weeks before the season starts as he isn’t one of the players expected to leave this summer before he leaves his future open.

"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 to Kölner Stadtanzeiger (via Kicker) who scored two direct free-kicks for the United States at the World Cup.

The former FC Bayern attacker scored six goals in 29 Bundesliga appearances after joining Leverkusen from Bayer Leverkusen for a club record transfer sum. Former Toulouse coach Carles Martinez replaced the Danish coach at the helm of Die Werkself.

"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," Tillman responded about his future as he keeps his options open.

Tillman has a contract until 2030 with Leverkusen as the club would hope to avoid another big transfer after going through a complete transformation last summer. "I want to prove in Leverkusen what I really can do. I have not succeeded so far. I think a lot of fans still underestimate me. I know that I can do a lot more than I have shown so far.” Tillman reflected before opening up about the criticisms.

“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.

"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.”

He also felt the media exaggerated when he deleted social media posts related to Leverkusen. "This has been made bigger in the media than it was. I had already deleted the posts a few weeks before the reporting.

“I have a public profile. Nevertheless, I do not have to humbly accept everything that is written about me there. I didn't want to leave these comments on my profile anymore. 

"If you have a problem with me, you can come to training, address me after training and tell me. Behind the screen or on the smartphone, anyone can swing big words. In reality, it often looks different.”