Bayern Munich: Leon Goretzka was not worried by Thomas Tuchel’s criticism
The summer transfer window saw another RB Leipzig midfielder arrive at Bayern Munich. Konrad Laimer completed a move to Bavaria once his contract at Leipzig came to an end in July. He ended up replacing his former teammate at RB Leipzig- Marcel Sabitzer, in the squad. Sabitzer left Die Roten to join Borussia Dortmund.
The arrival of Laimer hinted towards the end of days where Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka start regularly as the midfield pairing. Reports in Germany suggested that Thomas Tuchel was not entirely convinced by the midfield pairing of Goretzka and Kimmich.
Goretzka particularly struggled in the second half of the last season. The German midfielder was not providing the drive in the midfield that he is known for. Tuchel was also critical of Goretzka while talking to the press, which led to speculation about the midfielder’s future in Munich.
Laimer was expected to play in midfield with Kimmich at the start of the season since Goretzka came off the bench in almost every pre-season friendly game. However, Tuchel went ahead with Goretzka in the first game since he needed more physicality in the center of the park. The German midfielder grabbed this chance with both hands and achieved consistency in performances this season. While talking to AZ this week, Goretzka admitted that he took Tuchel’s criticism on board instead of getting annoyed by those comments.
"“The coach has the right to express praise and criticism. I have and had no problem with that and said early on that I felt comfortable at FC Bayern and wanted to do my part to ensure that we played successfully and won titles.”"
Laimer’s need in the right-back position allowed Leon Goretzka to get an extended run in the starting XI this season. He has provided the steel and solidity in the center of the park. Tuchel and Bayern are pleased with Goretzka’s performances.
Despite the good form of Kimmich and Goretzka, Thomas Tuchel still wants a natural defensive midfielder to take this team to the next level. Goretzka may not play regularly if a new number six arrives in January, but he has certainly managed to get back in Tuchel’s plans at Bayern.
Goretzka’s contract at Die Roten comes to an end in 2026. He is open to staying at Bayern for the rest of his career but doesn’t completely rule out a new adventure. Bayern are focussing on other contract renewals, so talks with Goretzka may happen next season. For now, the German midfielder will be pleased with the way he has bounced back from last season.
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The former Schalke midfielder is not thinking about his future just yet. The German international wants to do his best in the next eight months for club and country. After the DFB Pokal exit, Goretzka is keen on helping Die Roten to win the Bundesliga and Champions League. Winning the Euros on home soil next summer is the other key target for Goretzka.