Gotze needs Guardiola’s backing : agent

Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze’s agent, Volker Struth, has revealed that his client is running low on confidence, because he does not have the backing of manager Pep Guardiola. But Volker dismissed all speculation surrounding Gotze by saying that the German midfielder is not thinking about leaving the club.

When Gotze was signed from arch rivals Borussia Dortmund two years ago for €37 million, many thought that he will be a future star for the German champions. But Gotze has found it hard to find a place in Guardiola’s side, who could not decide the player’s best position on the field. Gotze ended up playing in six different positions for Bayern last season, but still was not able to find a starting place in team for important matches.

Volker has blamed Guardiola for all the struggles that Gotze has faced so far at Bayern, after the 23-year-old World Cup winner was dropped from the side for crucial semi-finals in the DFB-Pokal and in the Champions League last season, despite injuries to Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben.

“Guardiola has destroyed Gotze. He feels like the coach doesn’t have faith in him and yet still he is asked to be decisive when he gets on the pitch,” Volker Struth told Bild.

“I’m surprised that Guardiola didn’t use Gotze in important matches like the German Cup and Champions League semi-finals. He only plays in the easy games. It is natural that he was disappointed and he reflected afterwards. Of course, I sometimes wished that Mario would have got more backing.”

“I wonder why no one at the club has realised that and defended Mario. Bayern need a figure like former president Uli Hoeness again.”

“As a player you are wondering: ‘Why am I not playing as a starter?’ Mario explicitly went to Bayern in order to play such great matches and win titles.”

However, Struth was quick to say that Gotze is happy to stay and fight for his place at Bayern, despite the new signing of Douglas Costa providing even more competition.

“No. Gotze did not even think about that (about leaving the club) for a second,” he continued. “He is an unbelievably professional footballer who works very hard. Many people don’t see that at all.

“I think the evaluation of his two years at Bayern is often incorrect. He played around 50 games each season and won four titles. And you should never forget that he recently became only 23 years old.

“I am convinced: if Gotze feels confidence it is easier for him to bring his unbelievable potential on the field. Then he will be one of the best players in the world.”

Gotze made 43 appearances for Bayern last season, scoring 13 and providing 3 assists in all competitions.