Germany head coach raised eyebrows this week after giving an interview highlighting the importance of Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka to the men’s national team.
After all, the performance principle is supposed to be paramount and Goretzka has not often been first choice of late.
Goretzka, for his part, is not taking any of it for granted.
“I didn’t see his words, as some have interpreted them, as a free pass. I see them as motivation,” Goretzka explained after Bayern Munich’s 4-1 dismantling of Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “Julian Nagelsmann and I already had a special connection at FC Bayern. We had a difficult time around the EUROs and differing opinions. But I’m proud that I fought my way back into the starting lineup.
“His words didn’t surprise me. I played every game in the qualifiers and I feel very comfortable in that position. I know exactly what Julian expects from me.”
The veteran midfielder showed up well in his starting opportunity on Friday, supplying a sublime assist from a central position to slip winger Luis Díaz into the box for the opening goal. Germany fans won’t mind seeing more of the same this summer at the World Cup.