Bayern professional Leon Goretzka went through a remarkable change-and should now be rewarded, writes T-online columnist Stefan Effenberg. On the other hand, the situation at Borussia Dortmund is quite different.
In all clarity: For Bayern, the 2-1 in the playoff first leg of the Champions League at Celtic Glasgow is a great result. It makes the game appear scarcer when the game really was. I also played with Bayern in Scotland myself, but against the Rangers. It is always uncomfortable there – Scottish teams always come over an incredible power and fighting strength, which has not changed from then to today.
Bavaria knew what to expect, have mastered the challenge and have been fulfilling their role as favorites. Even the unnecessary late goal did not falter her in the hot -flowered atmosphere in Celtic Park. In the end, the quality of Bayern has prevailed significantly.
They showed what they also know in the Bundesliga: a lot of possession and lots of game control with which they made their opponent tired. Of course I also have to say: that was not a glamorous victory of Bayern – but it doesn’t have to be. It only depends on winning your games.
Bayern will no longer let the round of 16 take away – and then meet either at Atlético Madrid or even Bayer Leverkusen. From a German perspective, the duel with the Werkelf would of course be an absolute cracker early, a giant duel in the premier class – and I think so too. Because if Bayern want to fulfill the dream of “Finale Dahoam”, then you have to defeat the heaviest opponents on the way there. Bayern have to fight through there.
Leon Goretzka, who was once again on the pitch against Celtic, also fought through. For the game with the Scots playing body -emphasized, he was just the right one. Bayern coach Vincent Kompany will have considered: There may be a lot of duels, many standard situations-who can I offer? There spoke a lot for Leon: he is great, has the physique, is a duel, no duel avoids, has strong qualities in the penalty area. He developed this status.
At the beginning of the season I wrote that he should worry about his future – at that time he had no perspective in Munich. But he has proven what an outstanding professional he is, never let himself be hanged, never complained, but always answered on the pitch, whether in training or playing, has shown character. Every trainer wants such a player.
And that actually has to apply to national coach Julian Nagelsmann. Goretzka fought a regular player at Bayern – and a regular player of Bayern should always be a candidate for the national team. If the DFB-Elf is really serious about the performance principle-and that was so far under Nagelsmann-then you will definitely have to think about Goretzka for the upcoming international matches at the end of March.
I noticed another player against Celtic – not only because of his great goal: Michael Olise. The summer newcomer started the season at Bayern, but then had a hangover in which he no longer wanted to find his top form. At times he only came from the bank. This is not unusual for a young player in his first year in Munich.
Now he shows what he can really do – and at least as important: that he can make his way with Bayern. The numbers also show how important he is now: In 32 competitive games in 2024/25, Olise already has 23 goal participations, has most of the templates (12) and the third most goals (11) in the entire Bayern squad. This is also why Bayern paid 53 million euros to Crystal Palace for him. If he – toi, toi, toi – remains injury -free, he will be even better in the coming seasons and will give FC Bayern happy for many years.