Grateful Goretzka: A Key Piece in Nagelsmann's Puzzle for Nations League Finale
Appreciative Goretzka Emerges as Nagelsmann's Extra Piece in Team Setup - Goretzka Appreciates Role as Nagelsmann's Backup Option
Chasing another taste of victory, Leon Goretzka eyes a repeat of Germany's triumph in their upcoming Nations League semifinal against Portugal. "I've always desired something more," Goretzka told us before the highly-anticipated encounter in Munich (21:00 CET, ZDF/DAZN). "The Confederations Cup in 2017 was the only title I nabbed with Germany. It's time for another win."
Goretzka entered the select circle of the DFB quartet that graced the 2018 World Cup alongside goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, captain Joshua Kimmich, and co-coach Sandro Wagner. Both the Nations League and the Confederations Cup have, in Goretzka's opinion, been underrated competitions in Germany.
The midfielder demonstrated his prowess in the semi-final against Mexico during the 2017 Confederations Cup, scoring two goals and earning the FIFA Player of the Match distinction. No current DFB player can boast a semi-final goal to date.
Coach Julian Nagelsmann would welcome similar excellence from Goretzka against Portugal. "His performance in the quarter-final against Italy in March was exceptional," Nagelsmann commented. "Goretzka now fits more comfortably in an attacking role, similar to Ilkay Gündogan at the EUROs. This adds an essential dynamic in the penalty area."
Not too long ago, Goretzka was a fringe member of Nagelsmann's setup. Bayern, however, found a new star in him, keeping him in high spirits even through difficult times. "My recent journey has left me highly grateful for being back in the national team," Goretzka revealed of his emotional comeback.
As for the crucial 60th international match on the horizon, Goretzka is mentally prepared and poised to deliver another impressive performance.
- Leon Goretzka – Bayern Munich midfielder
- Football National Team – Captain Joshua Kimmich, Goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen, Coach Julian Nagelsmann
- Germany – Current defending national team champions
- Portugal – Semi-final opponents in UEFA Nations League Finals
- Munich – Host city of the upcoming Nations League semi-final
- Title win – 2017 Confederations Cup victory back with Germany
- Julian Nagelsmann – Current Germany national team coach
- Nations League – Upcoming competition with Germany
- Confederations Cup – 2017 international football tournament
- Marc-André ter Stegen – Goalkeeper for FC Barcelona
- Joshua Kimmich – Bayern Munich captain and defender
- Sandro Wagner – Former Germany national team co-trainer
- Russia – Host country of the 2018 World Cup
- Contract and Position – Bayern Munich midfielder with a contract until 2026
Insights:
Goretzka is making a comeback in the German national team after a period of uncertainty, having secured a significant role under Nagelsmann at Bayern Munich. His attendance in the Nations League Finals echoes a high level of expectation for his performance in major tournaments. Additionally, Goretzka's synergy with other Bayern players like Kimmich is being leveraged in Germany's pursuit of victory in the Nations League.
- Leon Goretzka, the Bayern Munich midfielder, aims to replicate Germany's triumph in the upcoming Nations League semifinal against Portugal, stating that it's time for another title win, echoing his memorable performance in the 2017 Confederations Cup where he scored two goals and earned the FIFA Player of the Match distinction.
- Despite the underrated reputation of both the Nations League and the Confederations Cup in Germany, coach Julian Nagelsmann values Goretzka's skills highly, particularly his strength and agility that he demonstrated during the quarter-final against Italy, likening his attacking role to that of Ilkay Gündogan at the EUROs, adding an essential dynamic in the penalty area.
