Grafite frustrated at sub´s role for Wolfsburg

Wolfsburg’s Brazil striker Grafite hit out at coach Armin Veh on Sunday for repeatedly substituting him while the defending Bundesliga champions struggle for form.

The 30-year-old was the league’s top scorer last season when he scored 28 goals in 25 league games.

But recently Grafite has had to get used to being a second-half substitute.

Already taken off in the second-half of the last three German league games and two Champions League matches, Grafite was left unimpressed after being taken off after 52 minutes of Saturday’s 1-1 draw with Bochum.

“I am having a difficult time at the moment,” the striker, who won a single cap for Brazil in 2005, told Bild on Sunday.

“That was the fifth game I’ve been replaced.

“Against Bochum, I was taken off after just 52 minutes, I had barely five minutes in the second half and it’s not enough.

“I am not a little boy, I have a history at this club.”

Between them Grafite and striker partner Edin Dzeko scored 54 goals for Wolfsburg last season as the Wolves won the Bundesliga title, but the team’s form has been erratic this season under new coach Veh.

While Dzeko is still scoring on a regular basis, Grafite is struggling for form. Wolfsburg are sixth in the table and Veh is not impressed with the forward’s comments.

“It does not interest me whether or not he is in a good mood,” Veh told Bild.

“I am also not in a good mood and he did not play well.”