Leon Goretzka shines in a new role at FC Bayern: against Lazio, the midfielder was seen operating as a playmaker out of defence. The 29-year-old has now been praised by Thomas Tuchel for his performance.
„He did very well when he built up our play. He has a very good, hard passing game and dares to play through the gaps,“ said Tuchel, describing the midfielder’s style of play at the press conference ahead of the league match against Mainz 05. „He does that in a very disciplined way. That’s been the method in the last two games. But it was also explicitly suited to the two opponents,“ continued Tuchel, who left all options open for the Mainz game with regard to Goretzka.
Goretzka back in a new role? Tuchel: „Nothing has been decided yet“
„I think Mainz will mirror us to a certain extent in terms of the basic formation. We haven’t decided anything yet,“ said Tuchel. It is therefore also possible that Goretzka will once again be found further forward in midfield and not alongside or between the two centre-backs in order to build up Bayern’s play. In any case, Thomas Tuchel will have to change his plans against Mainz compared to the Lazio game, as Aleksandar Pavlovic will be missing from the FCB midfield due to his fifth yellow card.
Will the new role perhaps even help Goretzka to stay with the German record champions? The Bochum native was one of the candidates whose future in Munich is at stake or at least being considered.
With performances like this, however, Goretzka will be able to make a case for himself. goretzka has 29 appearances in all competitions, 2 goals and 7 assists to his name in the current season. He is still under contract with Munich until 30 June 2026.
