Coach Vincent Kompany suddenly sees professional footballer Leon Goretzka, who has almost been retired from FC Bayern, as a role model for all players in the second row of the squad. “Leon’s story makes me happy for the team,” said Kompany after the 3-0 win in the Bundesliga home game against FC Augsburg. “Leon worked very hard. He was waiting for his chance. And this story is nice.” Because other players who are waiting now also know that “at some point it will be my moment too”. A broad squad and competition are important, emphasized the Bayern coach.
The 29-year-old Goretzka, whose high-paying contract with the German record champions runs until 2026, was a candidate for sale in the summer. His chances of playing were almost zero at the start of the season. Against Augsburg, the long-time national player was in the starting line-up for the second time in a row due to injuries to other professionals and showed an appealing performance in his favorite position in midfield.
Eberl: “Now we are happy that he is there”
“We spoke relatively clearly with the boy in the summer,” said sports director Max Eberl about Goretzka: “He has decided to stay. And we have said nothing since September 1st other than that he is a full member of this squad.” Now Goretzka “has already had his appearances,” said Eberl, “and now we are happy that he is there.”
Goretzka now has ten appearances this season across all competitions. However, most of them were rather short.