It has been a long road for Leon Goretzka…
Surely, it could not have been a great feeling for Leon Goretzka last summer, when Bayern Munich board member for sport indicated that the 30-year-old should start looking for a new club.
Even in November, Eberl allegedly doubled down on his intent to get rid of Goretzka.
Despite all of that, the midfielder persevered and fought to win back a role on the squad — something which he has done.
“There were no thoughts of (leaving). Everyone can analyse things how they want. I firmly believed that I can help the team. I recently saw Thomas Müller’s documentary. Uli Hoeneß said in it that everyone has to ask themselves the question of whether they can help the club. I said yes and so worked hard on myself,” said Goretzka (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “It was a tough start with very little playing time for me. I tried to keep at it, to do my job. I’m now on the pitch more again. I’m pleased about that. I hope it continues. I’m not really thinking about (the future) right now. I’ve still got a year left on my contract, and our focus is on the tasks to come. We’ve got an important game ahead (On Tuesday). That’s the focus.
“My relationship with the coach has been very good from the start. I always had a good feeling that he held me in high esteem and was honest with me. I also believe he was convinced by me. It’s been a positive change.”
Speaking of coach Vincent Kompany, the manager is pleased with the way that Goretzka has handled the adversity.
“It’s a story that happens a lot in football. You have two options. Either you give up or you keep going and try. Leon always trained and fought. It wasn’t easy for him, but it was good and important that the club was honest with him. He then did his talking on the pitch. That shows resilience. Leon’s story is positive for the squad and other guys,” said Kompany (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “We can talk about (Goretzka’s future) after the season. I was also a player and try not to overcomplicate things. There are always reasons, and every player has the right to know my opinion. It’s always the player himself who works their way back up. We as coaches have to give them the opportunity for that.”
Finally, Goretzka spoke about his recent decision to no longer to give interviews.
“It was a deliberate decision. I wanted to concentrate fully on football. I also had the feeling that you can’t solve the situation with words. I focused on football and now I’m back here,” Goretzka.
Maybe — just maybe — that is what’s best for everyone these days.
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