IS LEON GORETZKA LEAVING, BAYERN MUNICH FUTURE HANGS IN BALANCE

Leon Goretzka's future at Bayern Munich is in doubt as his box-to-box style clashes with Vincent Kompany's tactical system. With his contract expiring, the German midfielder appears a poor fit, raising questions about his long-term role.

Is Leon Goretzka leaving, Bayern Munich future hangs in balance
Leon Goretzka’s Bayern journey could be ending - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Leon Goretzka's future is currently being closely watched after seven years with Bayern Munich, particularly in light of his most recent performance.

In Bayern Munich's Bundesliga tie with Union Berlin, the German midfielder appeared to be a tactical weak point. Goretzka was substituted in the 80th minute after failing to make a significant attacking or defensive contribution. However, this is more a problem of tactical mismatch than it is of his skill as a player.

Leon Goretzka's unique style of play


Leon Goretzka, who made his debut with Schalke 04, has always been an aggressive midfielder. When he started his career, he was a number 10 who played behind the attackers. Following his physical development, numerous coaches began to use his strong motor and offensive ability as a box-to-box midfielder.

As a result of this job, Leon Goretzka became well-known throughout Bayern's treble-winning 2019–20 season. Goretzka benefited from a pressing strategy that prioritised wing play to generate opportunities.

Because of his ability to box-crash and clear up long shots at the edge of the box, Leon Goretzka became one of Europe's most feared midfielders as defenders focused all of their attention on Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Müller.

Goretzka's most productive season at Bayern was the treble-winning one, scoring close to 20 goals despite sharing playing time in a crowded midfield with Thiago, Joshua Kimmich, Javi Martinez, and Corentin Tolisso.

Thiago and Javi Martinez in particular helped eliminate Goretzka's two most obvious shortcomings: winning the ball and relieving the press. The German midfielder had a lot of difficulties carrying out these two responsibilities because these two players would be leaving in the next season.

Kompany's system is not compatible with Goretzka's attributes.


As usual, Leon Goretzka continues to crash the box a lot in the Union Berlin game. But this playstyle did not seem to fit all the requirements.

Because Goretzka was moving forward during the build-up phase, Bayern was without a midfielder, and they had a difficult time countering Union Berlin's very muscular pressing strategy. It was challenging to advance the ball since Upamecano, Kimmich, and Laimer were constantly encircled by several home team players.

His inability to manoeuvre in confined spaces was evident when Leon Goretzka ducked deeper to assist his teammates. This was most evident during a play in the first half when Luis Diaz threw the ball back to him and he awkwardly mishandled it to the opposition just outside the penalty area.

Additionally, the 30-year-old had no further influence. Union Berlin's penalty area felt crowded with Goretzka. Konrad Laimer and Serge Gnabry wish to support Michael Olise on the underlap by running into the right half-space. But Leon Goretzka typically took up most of the room with his movements and pulled a defender with him. This may be a contributing element, but it is hardly an excuse to blame Bayern's number eight for the problems of three other important players.

Aleksandar Pavlovic also brought with him a whole different style of play. The 20-year-old is a deep-lying playmaker who plays much closer to the middle of the pitch and only attacks the box when there is room to do so. His presence improved communication between the midfield and the sides and created a path for Harry Kane to run and equalise in the closing minutes of the match.

Arrival of summer. Another midfield player that matches Kompany's mentality is Tom Bischof, a flexible number six who can win the ball back by making underlapping runs in addition to creating from deep.

These two young players gave the impression that Bayern was rediscovering their former Thiago and Javi Martinez. Leon Goretzka, who was intended to be the replacement for these two, is now lower on the hierarchy.

The tale of Leon Goretzka and Bayern Munich is one of unwavering affection. Goretzka strives to be able to contribute to the team and enjoys playing for the red and white. He earned his spot in the locker room for that. When he enters or exits the field, Bayern supporters yell his name at the top of their lungs in the loudest cheers.

But now it appears that Leon Goretzka's style of play and the tactics are a little out of sync. The deal with the German star will only expire at the end of this season. He still possesses all the necessary skills to play for the world's top clubs. But when July of next year rolls around, will that team still be Bayern Munich?

MATTHAUS WARNS KOMPANY: DO NOT CHANGE ATTACKING STYLE DESPITE CHAMPIONS LEAGUE EXIT

Bayern have secured the Bundesliga! Read why Matthaus wants more "spectacular football" despite the 6-5 aggregate loss to PSG.

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Matthaus Demands Loyalty To Kompany’s Aggressive Tactical Vision - Photo Credit: IMAGO/Markus Ulmer

Lothar Matthaus has called on Vincent Kompany to continue with his attacking style, despite Bayern Munich's exit from the Champions League at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The German legend feels Bayern’s entertaining approach shouldn’t be altered even though their defence showed vulnerabilities during the 6-5 aggregate loss in the semi-finals.

After conceding six goals over two legs, Bayern’s Champions League run came to an end. While the defeat exposed defensive issues, it also highlighted the offensive strategy Kompany has brought to the team. These defensive struggles aren’t limited to Europe either; high-scoring Bundesliga matches, like the 4-3 win over Mainz and the 3-3 draw with Heidenheim, have revealed a back line that’s still trying to find the right balance between taking risks and maintaining solidity.

Matthaus, who once captained Bayern, stresses that the club should stick with Kompany’s attacking mindset, even if it leaves them open at the back. He pointed out, “With such an attacking style of play, you can't defend everything, of course. Yes, they've conceded quite a few goals, but they’re still having a successful season and are close to winning the double. They’ve even made it to the Champions League semi-finals.”

The return of excitement at the Allianz Arena was clear, especially during the second leg when Ousmane Dembele’s early goal stunned the crowd. Although Harry Kane’s late equaliser wasn’t enough to turn the tie around, Matthaus sees positives in the bigger picture. He believes Bayern has brought back the thrill and flair fans expect.

“While Bayern didn’t play their best in the semi-final second leg against PSG, they have entertained throughout the year. I look forward to their matches because they’re usually packed with goals. Bayern stands for spectacular football, and this season has been no different. I wouldn’t move away from that style,” Matthaus shared.

With the focus shifting back to domestic competitions, Bayern have already secured the Bundesliga championship. They still have two league games left against Wolfsburg and Koln before preparing for the DFB-Pokal final against Stuttgart on May 23.

BAYERN MUNICH RULE OUT MARCUS RASHFORD MOVE REGARDLESS OF ANTHONY GORDON OUTCOME

Marcus Rashford is not a target for Bayern Munich this summer, as the club focuses entirely on signing Gordon from Newcastle.

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Bayern Munich excluded Marcus Rashford from their summer plans - Photo Credit: Getty Images

Bayern Munich aren’t considering a move for Marcus Rashford this summer, no matter what happens with Anthony Gordon. That’s according to a German reporter who’s close to the story.

Right now, Rashford is wrapping up his loan at Barcelona. He’s set to return to Manchester United at the end of the season. Barcelona have an option to make the deal permanent for €30 million (£26 million) in the summer. Both Rashford and Barcelona want him to stay, but here’s the catch: the club doesn’t want to pay the full €30 million.

Barcelona would rather keep Rashford on loan for another year or get him for a lower fee. Manchester United’s not having it. They want the full price, so Barcelona are starting to look at other players.

Rashford hasn’t made a secret of where he wants to be. Earlier in the season, he told Sport, one of the local Barcelona papers, about how much he wants to stay, saying, “Of course, what I want is to stay at Barca. It’s the ultimate goal.” He talked about the pressure and expectations at the club, saying they keep him motivated and that he feels like he’s in the perfect environment to grow and win trophies. For now, though, it’s all up in the air until next summer.

Last year, Bayern Munich actually showed some interest in Rashford before he went to Barcelona. But now, they’re focused on signing Anthony Gordon from Newcastle United for the left wing. The problem is, Gordon’s interested, but Newcastle’s price is ridiculous, reportedly around £80 million (€92.6 million). That’s much higher than what Bayern’s willing to pay. They’re thinking closer to £60 million (€69.4 million), and maybe with add-ons or an instalment plan. If Newcastle won’t budge, it probably isn’t happening.

Christian Falk, a trusted journalist from Bild, says Bayern aren’t considering Rashford as a backup if they can’t land Gordon. Bayern’s got a short list of players for the left wing, and Rashford isn’t on it. Gordon’s their main focus, but even if that deal falls through, Rashford’s not the next in line.

So at this stage, Bayern and Rashford won’t be coming together this summer, even if Gordon stays at Newcastle. That’s just not in the plans.

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