2024-08-21 13:59:35
The Goretzka case is also in the public spotlight at Bayern’s last test before the start of the league. There are encouraging calls from the fans during the victory against Zurich, and the sporting director speaks plainly.
After his committed 62-minute performance as a central defender, Leon Goretzka walked wordlessly to the first floor, while striker Harry Kane delighted some Bayern fans with selfies and autographs. The final image was fitting for the 4-0 (1-0) win against Grasshopper Club Zurich in FC Bayern Munich’s last friendly match five days before the Bundesliga start at VfL Wolfsburg.
Kane is motivated and already on target in his second year with the Bundesliga club. Goretzka’s status is rather poor ahead of his seventh season in the Munich jersey – if he even gets there. Sports director Max Eberl was at least trying not to add any more heat to the Goretzka case after the lively test match on the Bayern campus with goals from the eye-catching new signing Michael Olise (12th minute), Kane (46th) and substitutes Mathys Tel (67th) and Thomas Müller (90th).
“If he stays, he’ll be a full member of the squad. Bayern doesn’t have a second training group. Bayern doesn’t send players away,” said Eberl. There is “nothing bad” between the club and Goretzka, assured Eberl, the main squad planner.
For the 29-year-old Goretzka, who has a very well-paid contract until summer 2026, the match practice against Zurich was on the one hand pleasing. However, it does not change his complicated situation. Because the international player was once again not used in midfield, but was called up as a central defender alongside the Englishman Eric Dier.
Goretzka, a true professional, gave it his all on the pitch. But the images on the sidelines also documented a distance to new coach Vincent Kompany. He had no place for the international player in the Munich luxury squad for the first competitive game of the season in the DFB Cup against SSV Ulm (4:0). That was another signal to the sales candidate.
Despite the current lack of prospects, Goretzka still does not seem to want to move. He was at least able to enjoy encouraging “Leon Goretzka” calls from the crowd. After an energetic advance, he had to be treated briefly on his right foot. “Bayern says very openly and very presently what the situation is,” said Eberl about the talks with Goretzka, adding: “We have never spoken badly about Leon. Leon is a great player. Leon has done great things for FC Bayern.”
Eberl again described the club’s attitude towards Goretzka. Competitive situations are “completely normal in football, in our performance-oriented society too,” he noted: “We only said or implied that it could be difficult. Period! That’s it!”