Wolfsburg striker Grafite hasn't had the same start to the Bundesliga season as he had last year. After scoring a league-high 28 goals last season, Grafite has found the net only twice this year. Other frustrations for the striker include making headlines for fighting with Coach Armin Veh and drawing a red card in Wolfsburg's Champions League draw with Besiktas.

To cope with the mounting pressure on Grafite, Veh suggested a break. "Grafite is a very emotional man who has put himself under too much pressure in recent weeks after the success of last season," Veh said. "He has got to get his mind free quickly and, to do that, he needs to switch off completely. The best way for that to work is if he changes scenery for a few days. I am convinced that it will do him good and he will come back stronger."

Grafite will not report for training or play in the Wolves' Bundesliga match against Hertha Berlin on Sunday. He has already flown back to his native Brazil to move out of the spotlight. "It is easier for me to switch off there," he said. "This break is important for me. Things are not going well for me at the moment and I need a new beginning. But I am confident that the fans will soon get to see the old Grafite." Striker Obafemi Martins is expected to replace Grafite this weekend.

 

Read the original story...