Has Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka done enough to reclaim a spot in the German men’s national team ahead of EURO 2024?
Recent reporting indicates that it will be an uphill climb — as Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann apparently thinks it would have to be either starting XI or bust for the Bayern No. 8, and that Goretzka “would not accept a substitute role.” Goretzka’s response to this has been to pledge a team-first mentality — as captured by Sky Sport journalist Florian Plettenberg, via @iMiaSanMia:
“First of all, the coach has to decide whether I’m even going to be there,” the 29-year-old is quoted saying. “There’s no doubt in my mind that I’ll accept any role that’s planned for me. That’s why I haven’t commented on that.
“To be honest, I don’t think that’s how Julian thinks. Because I showed during my time at Bayern under him that I don’t have a problem with that [a role from the bench] and that I’m ready at any second to help the team, no matter where. I have no choice but to perform to my full potential. It’s my job to recommend myself through performances. Conversation with Nagelsmann? A conversation always requires two people. I’m always ready for a conversation.”
Nagelsmann’s March international period, a successful one, made it look like the Germany midfield is ready to move ahead with other options at the two positions — such as Bayer Leverkusen’s Robert Andrich as the primary defensive midfielder behind more attacking No.8/10 hybrids.
But Goretzka’s recent strong — and versatile — displays for Bayern under Thomas Tuchel may just prompt a change of mind for Nagelsmann.