Leon Goretzka is currently waiting for minutes of action at FC Bayern. The midfielder has not featured in recent matches, in some cases he was not even in the matchday squad. This is naturally causing discussion – internally, however, the situation is viewed much more soberly
Bayern’s CEO Jan-Christian Dreesen put the personnel issue into perspective in an interview with BR and made it clear that the reduced playing time was not a surprise, but rather part of a conscious joint consideration when Goretzka decided to stay despite his difficult prospects in the winter
„The coach and all of us spoke to Leon together, and Leon knows that we have several players in midfield and that we naturally want to give the young players game time – that was part of his very conscious decision to stay. So I don’t think there’s anything to discuss,“ explained Dreesen
Full midfield as the cause
The background to this is the exceptionally comfortable personnel situation at FC Bayern. Vincent Kompany can currently draw from a fully fit squad, which leads to extreme competition, especially in central midfield. With Joshua Kimmich, Aleksandar Pavlovic, Konrad Laimer, Tom Bischof and other options, the density is high – especially as Kompany has recently also increasingly given young players playing time
This constellation has already had consequences: against Hoffenheim, Minjae Kim was surprisingly sent to the stands, and now Goretzka has also found himself in the same situation. From a sporting point of view, this is less of a warning and more the result of squad size, number of games and tactical considerations
Kompany had recently expressly backed Goretzka and emphasized that his current role does not change his value. Rather, it is about getting through February professionally with fewer games. From March and April, every player will be needed again
Goretzka remains professional
Dreesen’s statements also underline the fact that there is no conflict at FC Bayern. Goretzka knows the situation, accepts it and remains part of the plans – at least until the summer. From the point of view of those responsible, the fact that there may be grandstand seats during this phase is a logical consequence of the personnel situation and not a sign of a break
Whether Goretzka will be left out again in the cup quarter-final against RB Leipzig will be decided in the short term. Bayern currently see the internal competition as a strength – even if it has painful consequences for some stars.