Football
Mark Rodden 9y

Nicklas Bendtner trains on own after poor Wolfsburg performance

Nicklas Bendtner has been forced to train on his own this week because his performance in a friendly against Ajax angered Wolfsburg's coaching staff.

After playing for 45 minutes in Friday's 1-1 draw, the former Arsenal striker, 27, has been put through a gruelling training programme by the German club's fitness coach.

Wolfsburg manager Dieter Hecking told kicker that Bendtner's display against Ajax was not up to scratch.

"The demands in our game are high," Hecking said. "I think that Nicklas in particular in Amsterdam didn't live up to them. He was the only one that dropped off considerably."

Bendtner spoke last week about his desire to prove that he deserves a place in Wolfsburg's starting lineup. Hecking indicated that such talk is being put to the test this week.

"I don't know if he understands it," the former Hannover and Nurnberg boss said. "I hope that he realises that it's good for him."

Bendtner scored just once in 18 Bundesliga matches last season but, despite the latest setback, Hecking believes that the Denmark international will come good.

"I'm still convinced that Nicklas can help us," Hecking told kicker. "Otherwise I wouldn't be going to all this trouble."

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