Form boost on farewell tour: Germany star repays World Cup trust | OneFootball

 "As things stand, Leon Goretzka will have a good chance of playing and having a similar role to the one he had in the World Cup qualifiers, despite getting less game time at Bayern." With these clear words, Germany head coach Julian Nagelsmann caused quite a surprise in an interview with 'kicker' at the beginning of March.

Quite a few interpreted those remarks as a kind of World Cup free pass for the 31-year-old. A vote of confidence that was met with a great deal of incomprehension among fans and in the media. Reactions that describe Goretzka’s standing pretty well both among FC Bayern supporters and Germany fans. 

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He is not a huge fan favorite who seemingly can do no wrong. Especially over the past two years, many aspects of his game have been viewed critically. But not only by the fans — also within the club. In recent transfer windows, the people in charge at FC Bayern repeatedly suggested that he could look for a new club and that staying would come with limited playing time.

But Goretzka is not just a fighter on the pitch. He decided to embrace the role of challenger, behaved professionally, gave it everything in training, and was always there when he was needed.

Bayern boss is impressed

That also impressed the club’s decision-makers: "When we said a year and three quarters ago that things could become difficult, he had a very good season; in the summer, when we said things could become difficult, he fought his way back. In the winter, he decided to stay at FC Bayern — and he had a good instinct," Max Eberl explained last Saturday after the 3-3 draw against Heidenheim, in which Goretzka scored twice, while speaking to the media. 

It is this persistence that defines Goretzka, both in challenges on the pitch and, above all, in how he deals with setbacks in his career. That resilience must also have made a major impression on the national team coach.

After Nagelsmann surprisingly left him out ahead of Euro 2024 on home soil, very few would likely have expected a Germany comeback under the same coach. And yet Goretzka went on to play a key role in the World Cup qualifiers.

He said he had already had "a special connection" with Nagelsmann during his time as coach in Munich, one that ultimately endured even through "a difficult period during the Euros, when we of course also had differing opinions." "I’m also somewhat proud that we cleared that up together," Goretzka said a few months ago.

Peaking at just the right time

Goretzka has steadily repaid the vote of confidence he received in March through Nagelsmann’s emphatic words, especially in recent weeks. Since the announcement of his departure from FC Bayern in January, the midfielder’s form has increasingly been on the rise. Most recently, he was even in the Bundesliga starting XI for six matches in a row and contributed to six goals in his last eight appearances. 

So he is hitting top form again right on time for the major highlights of the season. At club level, but also with a view to the World Cup in just under five weeks, where the national team coach has earmarked an important role for him. 

By then, Goretzka’s new employer is also expected to be decided. There appears to be no shortage of options. Bayern board member for sport Max Eberl recently confirmed as much to 'Bild': "It doesn’t surprise me that he has many offers, because he is available on a free transfer, a Germany international, and a very good player [...] His path will continue at a top European team."

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AC Milan and Juventus have recently been named as the hottest suitors. Last winter, Arsenal also failed with an offer on Deadline Day, and Atlético have likewise been credited with strong interest in Goretzka in the past. He himself appears open to an adventure abroad. He emphasized that when announcing his Bayern departure: "A move away would also be a step in my personal development. Getting to know something new would enrich my life as well." 

And if there is still no decision on a new club by the start of the World Cup, Goretzka could use football’s biggest stage to attract even more potential employers. That situation has recently helped him produce top performances at club level too.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇩🇪 here.

📸 ALEXANDRA BEIER - AFP or licensors