Despite reserve role at Bayern: Goretzka remains set for Nagelsmann | OneFootball

Leon Goretzka no longer plays the role at FC Bayern that he did just a few years ago. Under Vincent Kompany, the 31-year-old is mostly just a supplementary player and has lost his regular place in central midfield. With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, this development seemed to cloud his prospects in the DFB team

However, national coach Julian Nagelsmann is much more relaxed about the situation

Despite the strong competition in the German midfield, the 38-year-old demonstratively backed the Bayern professional in an interview with kicker, stating that although Germany has numerous options in the center with Angelo Stiller, Felix Nmecha, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Pascal Groß and Robert Andrich, a certain profile is almost completely missing

Goretzka’s physicality as a trump card

photo: IMAGO

Nagelsmann made it clear that he misses a physically strong six-man in the German squad who is dangerous with a header. „We are already missing a really stable six-man in Germany who is strong in tackles – even in the air,“ he explained. Many candidates are strong and ball-safe, but often need a clear partner next to them

This is exactly where Goretzka comes into play. The Bayern professional brings a force with him, consistently enters the penalty area and is a decisive factor with long balls. „As things stand, despite less playing time at Bayern, Leon Goretzka will have a good chance of playing and having a similar role as in the World Cup qualifiers,“ emphasised Nagelsmann

As an example, he cited the match against Northern Ireland, in which Goretzka’s header strength was decisive. Especially in tournaments where there are tight phases and many second balls, this profile can make the difference

Luxury problem in midfield

While Nagelsmann is struggling with personnel problems in other positions, there is almost a surplus in the center. Even Joshua Kimmich, who could also be considered as a six-man, is planned for the right side of defense – also with a view to the 2026 World Cup

For Goretzka, this means that his role at FC Bayern may have diminished, but his standing with the national team coach clearly has not. The decisive factor for Nagelsmann is not just playing time, but the tactical profile and strategic importance in the tournament context.