Again topic at Nagelsmann?
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Who would have thought? Leon Goretzka fought his way back to a really valuable top performer at FC Bayern Munich after the German record champion would have preferred to sell it expensive last summer. Before the Bundesliga home game on Saturday against VfL Bochum (3:30 p.m.), in which he learned to play football as a child and started his professional career, he is even referred to as a “role model” in Munich.
“Hats off his performance and how he dealt with the situation,” said Bavaria’s sports director Christoph Freund. “That also says a lot about his character. There are certainly some guys who might have put their heads in and said that it is unfair, which is not correct. He continued to train, rewarded himself and now played really good games. It is currently a very important factor for us. “
Despite a contract, the Bayern bosses saw no perspective for Goretzka until 2026 before the season. He should change. “We communicated with him openly in summer that it will be difficult. He said he wants to take the fight, he stays here, ”Freund described the situation.
Goretzka had bitten through coach Thomas Tuchel the previous season, now he also managed to do it under Vincent Kompany. At first he was used as a defender, now he can get back in midfield. He now comes to 29 seasonal missions. “Football is also day -to -day business,” said Freund: “There are injuries, failures – and Leon took his chance. This shows again how fast -moving the football business is that you always have to stay tuned as a professional. For me, it is considered a role model for many footballers where the situation is a bit more difficult. ”
When asked whether Goretzka could have a long -term future with Bayern again, friend gave way: “We will see what the future is bringing. We are glad that we currently have it because he does it really well. ”
Leon Goretzka in good shape: DFB comeback at Nagelsmann?
In the current constitution and the exemplary appearance as a team player, Goretzka even has the question of a national team comeback. Especially since his Bayern colleague and midfield competitor Aleksandar Pavlovic (20) should be a stubborn infection for the upcoming Nation League quarter-finals against Italy on March 20 and 23. National coach Julian Nagelsmann could therefore have a need in midfield.
Goretzka was still there in the first four international matches under Nagelsmann in autumn 2023 and was always used. Then he fell victim to the radical squad conversion of the former Bayern coach. Goretzka did not fit into the role concept for home European Championships 2024. He has not been nominated since then. Nagelsmann nominates the first DFB squad 2025 next Thursday. Is there a role for the changed Goretzka?