Created on 21-01-2010 at 00:00 AM
In der Ruhe liegt die Kraft, German folk say, a proverb which may or may not be Confucian, but which encapsulates the notion of “strength through serenity”. Jörg Butt is the living embodiment of this wise saying, as the 35-year-old Bayern keeper is a model of composure, both when he is stood between the sticks, and when he faces the media. Butt, true to the stereotype of the cool northerner, appears impossible to knock out of his stride.
He even remains unruffled when quizzed on the club’s rumoured search for a marquee goalkeeping signing in readiness for the new season. The question was put to him again on Thursday: do FCB require a new number one this summer? “No,” Butt replied with authority. From his point of view, any further statement would have been wasted words.
Jörg on form
The man capped three times by Germany joined Munich in summer 2008. Since then, he has twice replaced designated Oliver Kahn successor Michael Rensing as the club’s first-choice shot-stopper. He took over in goal on Matchday 4 this term, and has consistently put the experience garnered in 347 Bundesliga appearances to good use. On top of all that, Louis van Gaal has named him the club’s official penalty taker.
“Butti’s having a great season,” remarked Mario Gomez. “He’s saved us in a number of tricky situations, which means he’s earned us points,” the striker continued, pointing to last week’s meeting with Hoffenheim. The score was only 1-0 when Butt reacted superbly to turn aside an awkward Maicosuel free-kick. “And there have been plenty more like that this season,” Gomez added.
Contract set to expire
“I reckon I’m in good form,” said Butt, who is a highly respected senior figure in the dressing room hierarchy. “He’s not just a good keeper, he’s a great guy and incredibly important for us as a team,” revealed Gomez. Butt’s quiet authority has propelled him to a figurehead role within the squad.