The 27-year-old seemed to be heading for the exit at the Allianz Arena but the new coach insists he still has an opportunity to revive his Roten career
Pep Guardiola has reassured Mario Gomez of his place with Bayern despite the striker’s requested departure from the club.
The 27-year-old has become unhappy with life at the Allianz Arena having to settle for prolonged periods on the sidelines this season as Mario Mandzukic became the preferred option in attack.
Gomez has made his desire to leave the Champions League winners known, with a number of clubs across Europe interested in his signature, but Guardiola says his career is not over with the Bavarian outfit.
“Gomez belongs to us,” he told reporters.
“He is a Bayern player right now and I’ll treat him like one.”
The striker played 32 games with the club this year, scoring 19 goals and registering four assists a far cry from the 40 goals he scored in 2011-12.
“He will be present at the club’s first training session of the season,” Guardiola continued.
“All players have the same value. He has his chance.”
The attacker has been linked as a possible replacement for Napoli’s Edinson Cavani and Fiorentina’s Stevan Jovetic.
Gomez has a contract with Bayern until June 2016.