Like most key players Goetze needs playing time to fulfill the demands of Germany's head coach, Joachim Loew. Until now, however, Goetze appears only to be on the fringe in Munich. Guardiola leaves him out in important games or substitutes him. In 32 league games, Gotze only played the full 90 minutes on 18 occasions, which is far from being a regular part of the team.

Goetze's reaction wasn't helpful either. He has never been a big entertainer and a source of fun. But in the past two years he has hardly said anything after being transferred from Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich (37 million Euros). It coincided with Guardiola's arrival at the Bavarian club.

At first Goetze was regarded as a starting present for the new coach but he has somehow disappeared off the public's radar. Frustrated, he oscillated between the nation's hero and a gifted talent without friends, hardly the best state to find peace of mind.

Goetze's club Bayern Munich was accused by striker Thomas Mueller of not having done everything to give Goetze full support. "It is not easy when you feel the doubts in your own club, and that again and again," Mueller said.

When Germany beat Poland 3-1, he was that hero again when only for one game. Coach Loew expressed deep trust in Goetze in advance of the encounter. "He is enormously valuable for us," said Loew. "He knew we fully trust him, that made things easier for him," Loew said.

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)