Werder Bremen have defended Serge Gnabry against recent reports in the German media accusing him of "sluggishness."
Despite starting the season with seven goals and two assists in 15 matches, Gnabry, who joined from Arsenal last summer, has struggled for form of late with Bremen dropping into the Bundesliga's relegation playoff place.
Following the Germany international's poor performance in the 1-0 defeat to Borussia Monchengladbach last week, he was criticised by parts of the media, though he has since been backed by Bremen sporting director Frank Baumann.
"He set the bar high through his performances," Baumann is quoted as saying by kicker. "I'd find it remarkable if you were unable to forgive a 21-year-old one bad performance. He's not a finished product. We will continue to support him so that he will show his best performances again."
Baumann added that the "sluggishness" claims had been "plucked out of the air and [are] absurd."
Ever since Gnabry joined Bremen from Arsenal for a reported fee of around €5 million, there has been speculation that he could leave in 2017.
Bremen hope that Gnabry will stay beyond the summer, but Baumann says there are other things to prioritise right now with the club battling against relegation.
"We are in a constant exchange," he said. "But as it's the case with all other players too, the focus is on our sporting present."