Goretzka remains significant despite reduced gameplay, asserts Kompany
Bayern Munich's Leon Goretzka Remains Crucial Despite Limited Game Time
Leon Goretzka, a key player for Bayern Munich according to manager Vincent Kompany, has found playing time difficult to come by this season. Despite this, Kompany maintains that Goretzka is an integral part of the squad.
Goretzka, who joined Bayern Munich from Schalke in 2018, has made over 200 appearances for the German giants and has won five Bundesliga titles with the club. He also played a crucial role in their Champions League victory in the 2019-20 season.
However, this season, Goretzka has only managed to play 21 minutes, with nine of those minutes coming as a late substitute in Bayern Munich's 9-2 win against Dinamo Zagreb in the Champions League opener, where he scored a goal.
The competition for places in the midfield is fierce, with players like Aleksandar Pavlović and João Palhinha also vying for spots. Palhinha's loan to Tottenham has eased some pressure on Goretzka's playing time, but the midfield remains a competitive area.
Injuries to other positions have shuffled the squad and influenced lineups, but Goretzka’s participation was expected to increase, especially with Pavlović sidelined by injury. Contract uncertainty—his deal runs until 2026 with no clear extension offer yet—is a backdrop but does not currently seem to limit his selection.
Kompany emphasizes the importance of the team over individual players at Bayern Munich. He stated that the team loves Goretzka and views him as crucial to the midfield setup. The manager also acknowledged that Goretzka is doing well along with the other players in the team.
Last season, Goretzka made 42 appearances across all competitions for Bayern Munich. The squad rotation dynamics, the arrival and integration of new players, and injury impacts have contributed to his limited early season minutes, but Kompany remains confident in Goretzka's ability to contribute when called upon.
Goretzka's contribution to Bayern Munich extends beyond the Champions League and European-leagues, as he's also proved his worth in Bundesliga games. His integral role in the midfield setup is evident even with limited game time this season due to tough competition and squad dynamics.
