Tuchel reports: Goretzka „angry and disappointed“ about being booted out by DFB

FC Bayern coach Thomas Tuchel talks about Leon Goretzka’s reaction to not being called up for the German national team. However, he believes that the FCB star still has a chance in the European Championship.

Leon Goretzka’s reaction to his omission from the DFB ahead of the international matches in France and against the Netherlands was anything but enthusiastic. This was reported by his club coach Thomas Tuchel before Bayern’s Bundesliga match in Darmstadt.

„He was angry and disappointed at the start. That’s also clear. He’s ambitious and wanted to be there. But then he trained very well,“ Tuchel reported on Sky.

The 50-year-old continued: „The national team coach nominates him and then we let him go. It’s his responsibility and that’s fine. We push our players. Leon has been very strong with us recently and I hope he can keep it up.“

Tuchel: „Very bitter for Goretzka“

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann contacted him before the squad was announced, said Tuchel when asked: „No, he doesn’t have to. He should nominate with complete freedom: Which system he plays and which types of players he needs for it and then he is responsible for that. That’s totally okay,“ said the coach.

Tuchel continued about Goretzka: „It’s very bitter for Leon at the moment, because he was very strong, especially now in the short term against Lazio and against Mainz 05.“

Tuchel still believes the midfielder has a chance at the European Championship: „But this isn’t the European Championship squad yet, so it’s all a snapshot. He got a similar decision in the spring and was then invited again. And that’s why everything is still open.“

Nagelsmann had not considered Goretzka for the international matches in France (23 March) and against the Netherlands (26 March) – meanwhile his Bayern colleague Aleksandar Pavlovic received his first invitation for the German senior national team.