Mario Götze was a model of calm composure when he faced the media on Tuesday lunchtime, quietly but clearly answering the barrage of questions put to him by some 35 reporters and ten TV crews. But it was a good thing his lower body was hidden behind the speaker's lectern, or the media representatives would have noticed his itchy feet. “Obviously, where I want to be is out on the pitch training," said the club's new number 19, currently restricted to sports rehab due to a ruptured muscle. “My priority is simply to get fit and play football again," the summer signing continued.
The gifted player has been closely monitoring the training sessions under Pep Guardiola so far. “You see he does a great deal of work with the ball, with lots of short, quick passing," Mario noted, “it gives me a very, very good feeling." Matthias Sammer understands why: “It's a style made for Mario."
“I'm just delighted to be here," the 21-year-old had said when he first entered the Säbener Strasse media centre. “It's a great moment," commented board director for sport Sammer, “this is a good day for Bayern. As a club, we’re delighted to welcome one of the most outstanding players in the world."
Face-to-face talks with Pep
In squad planning talks with Guardiola well ahead of the new season, the name Götze entered the conversation at an early stage, Sammer revealed: “And he was immediately enthusiastic." The former Dortmund star and his new coach have already held face-to-face talks, the player explained: “He wanted to know how I was doing, if I'm being looked after well, and when I think I might be fit again."
Topics of this article