Mario Gotze’s agent has launched a scathing attack on Bayern Munich boss Pep Guardiola, claiming he has ‘destroyed’ the 23-year-old midfielder during his time in charge at the club.
Gotze made a £32 million move to the Allianz Arena from rivals Borussia Dortmund in 2013 but failed to hold down a regular spot in the side last season.
And his agent, Volker Struth, says that Bayern could have provided more support for the 23-year-old, particularly from his manager Pep Guardiola.
‘Guardiola has destroyed Götze,’ Struth told Bild. ‘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.
‘Götze only plays in the easy games. I’m surprised no one at Bayern has realised that and defended Mario. I’m surprised that Guardiola didn’t use him in the important matches like the German Cup and Champions League semi-finals.’
Struth also added:
‘Of course I would have liked it if Mario had felt more support in one or two situations.
‘I am fully convinced that when Mario feels this support, it is easier for him to show his incredible potential. Then he is one of the best players in the world.’
Gotze did not start in the Champions League semi-final against Barcelona or the DFB-Pokal semi-final against Borussia Dortmund, and Struth believes that had an impact on Gotze.
‘Of course he was disappointed and that did bother him,’ Struth added. ‘As a player, you are always wondering “why did I not start?”
‘That is why Mario moved to Bayern – to be playing in these big matches and to win titles. But then you get under a certain amount of pressure and it is hard to shake this off.
In comments that will have chairman throughout Europe reaching for their checkbook, German icons Dietmar Hamaan and Olivier Khan have both suggested that Gotze should move away from Bayern and his talent is being wasted.
The 23-year-old, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup Final is valued at around £50 million. When you consider that is the price of Raheem Sterling, Gotze seems a comparable bargain, even at that price.
