Leon Goretzka was left out of the summer preparation. But the national player fought his way back – also because he impressed in an unfamiliar position.
It wasn’t that long ago that Leon Goretzka seemed to no longer be wanted at FC Bayern Munich. During the summer preparation in Asia, he always lost out to newcomer Konrad Laimer, FCB coach Thomas Tuchel publicly criticized Goretzka’s deficits as a defensive midfielder. This followed in September the “extremely disappointing” non-nomination from then national coach Hansi Flick.
Goretzka is convincing in the Central defender-Misery
Goretzka himself urged perseverance and sent a declaration of loyalty to the club to his critics. In the last few weeks he took over Laimer’s place again, scored in the top game against Bayer Leverkusen and on Tuesday Goretzka was suddenly head of defense and even for a few minutes Captain of FC Bayern in the 4-0 win in the first round of the DFB Cup at Preußen Münster.
Tuchel: Goretzka “predestined” to be Central defender
“It felt pleasant that they both accepted it and immediately said: ‘We’ll do it, pull ourselves together and solve it together.’ And that’s what it looked like,” said Tuchel SkyMicrophone. According to the FCB coach, Goretzka certainly has what it takes to be a central defender: “Leon is actually predestined for this because of his body and his speed on the move. He also has a clear build-up game.” The successful evening can also be seen as a pointer to the coach.
Goretzka himself, who took over the captain’s armband from Joshua Kimmich in the last 30 minutes, seemed relaxed after the game. “One can assume it was the first time. ‘Nous’ said that he had played there before. So we were able to benefit from his experience in the position today,” said Goretzka with a grin.
Goretzka defies his fate
From Goretzka’s point of view, the defensive field test in the Münster should not be a “long-term project”. Nevertheless, the game illustrated the national player’s upward trend and his status as a cornerstone in the team. Instead of submitting to his fate – In the summer there were also persistent rumors of farewell to the Premier League – his decision to stay in Munich and push through shows the maturity he has gained over the past five years at FCB. Even after a personally difficult 2022/23 season.
After being left out of the 3-0 defeat in the Supercup against RB Leipzig at the beginning of August, Goretzka has now started in six of seven games alongside Joshua Kimmich in the double six. Konrad Laimer, on the other hand, has to move to the back right and duel with Mazraoui there. Also in the top game on Saturday evening (RB Leipzig against FC Bayern Munich on Saturday at 8:45 p.m. live in the radio report) seems to be set for Goretzka.
“Holding Six” remains a Bayern topic
Before the season it sounded completely different. “The question of number six doesn’t even arise for me because Laimer is a transfer that we will have a lot of fun with,” Honorary President Uli Hoeneß explained unequivocally at the start of the preparations.
But the question of the “Holding Six” (a hedging midfielder) is still an open topic today. Tuchel publicly stated that none of his players could fully fill this role. The Bayern officials tried hard to get their coach a suitable player, but he did The deal with Fulham’s João Palhinha, which was believed to be certain, fell through at the last second.
Competition for Goretzka: Is Palhinha coming in winter?
Goretzka appears to be unimpressed by all the background noise since the start of preparation, at least in the duel with Konrad Laimer he was able to change Tuchel’s mind. It is no secret that there is still a lack of compactness and stability in the center. Public criticism often focuses on Kimmichbut Goretzka is also called upon to get the problem under control.
A Palhinha transfer in the winter is still on the cards, even though the Portuguese recently extended his contract with Fulham. With his performance as defense chief in Münster, Goretzka has at least demonstrated that he is willing to successfully tackle difficult and thankless defensive tasks. Whether as a central defender or defensive midfielder. For his critics and therefore himself, it was not a bad sign that the model experiment with third division club Münster was so successful.
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Source: BR24Sport on the radio September 28, 2023 – 10:55 a.m
