Sensational Revelations After World Cup Debacle: Did Goretzka Cause Turmoil in the DFB Team? | OneFootball

Following the German national team’s early exit from the World Cup, more and more attention is being focused on internal processes. A new report by Sport BILD also raises questions about Leon Goretzka’s role—while Lothar Matthäus is voicing strong criticism of Julian Nagelsmann.

Leon Goretzka’s selection for the World Cup had already sparked debate in the run-up to the tournament. Although the midfielder had recently been relegated to a reserve role at FC Bayern, national team coach Julian Nagelsmann relied on the 31-year-old’s experience.

On the field, however, Goretzka played hardly any role in the tournament. The midfielder logged just 96 minutes of playing time across four matches and did not start a single game.

According to Sport BILD, Goretzka’s role within the team is said to have increasingly caused friction. The report states that the former Bayern pro kept a low profile during the preparation phase and throughout the tournament, and was perceived internally as a “lone wolf.”

The report cites his disappointment that Julian Nagelsmann opted for Aleksandar Pavlovic and Felix Nmecha in central midfield as the reason. Nadim Amiri and Pascal Groß are also said to have ranked ahead of Goretzka in the internal hierarchy.

In addition, the penalty shootout against Paraguay sparked discussion. According to the report, Goretzka reportedly declined to take a penalty kick.

Matthäus Defends Goretzka

Photo: IMAGO

However, record-holding national team player Lothar Matthäus does not place the main blame on the player, but rather on the national team coach. “This is a reflection of Julian Nagelsmann’s leadership. His back-and-forth approach with Goretzka, his back-and-forth approach with Undav, his back-and-forth approach with Baumann,” Matthäus explained in an interview with Sport BILD.

The TV analyst is particularly critical of the communication surrounding Goretzka’s role. “He did say that Goretzka has to play. None of the fans, media, or experts had demanded that before the World Cup. He was the one who opened the can of worms with the nomination in the first place—and then made it overflow,” said Matthäus.

For the 1990 World Cup champion, it’s therefore understandable that Goretzka reacted with disappointment: “I understand Leon. He’s an ambitious player. I feel sorry for him. Given how he went into the World Cup, he must have felt like he was a lock in the midfield—and then, in the end, he’s not even playing the second string, but only the third.”