Many people at FC Bayern are currently looking at Leon Goretzka. Now Mario Basler has spoken out with unusually personal words, including about an old misjudgement.
Mario Basler has apologised to Leon Goretzka live on Sport1-Doppelpass for a statement he made in 2018, when the former Bayern professional expressed serious doubts as to whether the then new signing would be able to establish himself at the record champions. Goretzka himself recently reiterated this assessment in an interview with the club’s own media.
Basler has now explained why he was so sceptical at the time: „Why do I have to apologise? I made the statement and also believed that it was too big a step at first. It’s great that Leon has developed so well and that he has already played 23 games in his first year.“ Goretzka has now played 309 competitive matches for FC Bayern.
Basler on leaving Bayern: „I find it incomprehensible“
The 57-year-old did not stop there. Basler also spoke about the midfielder’s impending departure and made it clear how much Bayern’s decision is bothering him: „I’m sorry that he’s not staying at FC Bayern. It really hurts me that he has to leave.“
Basler then addressed the Bayern star directly: „Leon, of course I also apologise to you. I wasn’t so convinced at the time, but now I’m totally convinced by you. It’s a shame that you’re leaving FC Bayern.“ Basler also stressed that he would see Goretzka in the starting XI alongside Joshua Kimmich in the Champions League second leg against Paris Saint-Germain.
In sporting terms, Basler clearly backed the midfielder, saying that Goretzka was „the more stable“ for him and also described the 31-year-old’s transfer-free departure as „an absurdity“. The former professional continued: „I find that incomprehensible. He has all the prerequisites, both defensively and offensively. That’s why I can’t understand why they’re letting him go.“
Goretzka’s contract with FC Bayern expires at the end of June and will not be extended. The international moved to Munich from FC Schalke 04 on a free transfer in 2018 and has made 45 appearances this season under Vincent Kompany, scoring five goals and providing four assists.
