Goretzka sees Nagelsmann’s remarks as “motivation”
Leon Goretzka says praise from Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann is motivation—not a guarantee—for a spot at the 2026 tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka doesn’t consider the highly encouraging statements made by Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann about him as a “free ticket” to the World Cup in the United States, Mexico and Canada in summer.
“I didn’t see his words, as some have interpreted them, as a free pass. I see them as motivation,” he told broadcaster Sky after Bayern’s 4-1 Bundesliga win against Borussia Mönchengladbach on Friday evening.
“His words didn’t surprise me. I played every game in the qualifiers and I feel very comfortable in that position. I know exactly what Julian expects from me.”
Nagelsmann recently told the Kicker magazine that Goretzka has “good chances” to be part of the World Cup squad despite his reserve player status at his club.
“As things stand now, Leon Goretzka, despite his lack of playing time at Bayern, has good chances to play and to have a similar role he had in the World Cup qualifiers,” the coach said.
Nagelsmann sees Goretzka as a good choice for the offensive role in the double six, “a really stable, strong tackler,” for the tournament.
For Goretzka, playing a key role in the World Cup would be particularly satisfying and a great success after Nagelsmann did not nominate him for Euro 2024 on home soil.
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“We had a difficult time around the Euros and differing opinions. But I’m proud that I fought my way back into the starting line-up,” Goretzka said.
The midfielder, who joined Bayern in 2018 from Schalke, is to leave the club at the end of the season, but he hasn’t signed with any team yet.
