The Germany team manager believes the 22-year-old has been the subject of undeserved criticism, despite his poor run of form over the last few months
Germany team manager Oliver Bierhoff says Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze has unfairly been made a scapegoat for the club’s recent struggles.
The former Borussia Dortmund playmaker has been far from his best in recent months and often failed to make Pep Guardiola’s starting XI despite their current injury crisis.
Gotze was left on the bench again as Bayern beat Barcelona 3-2 on Tuesday night in the second leg of their Champions League final but exited the competition 5-3 on aggregate
Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer accused Gotze of not being immature last week before saying that “he could play for another 30 years without matching Lionel Messi”.
However, Bierhoff feels that assessment is unfair on the 22-year-old, saying the World Cup winner has always been the model professional.
“In principle, I just have to say that I find it unspeakable that everyone is picking on Mario,” he told Sky.
“He is an incredibly professional player with us and is insanely busy. He’s a very young player but has already made great strides.
“That there are moments when things aren’t going so well is perfectly normal. I am firmly convinced that he will succeed at Bayern.”