Mario Götze has penned a mightily interesting article in The Players’ Tribune in which he explains much about his life in football.
The German is now 26-years-old, having scored a winner in the 2014 World Cup Final having won multiple trophies with Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, too.
His stock though is perhaps not as high as a few years back when he was regarded as one of the most exciting players in Europe. Injury, illness and a loss of form has made him a squad player during his second stint at Dortmund after failing to cut the mustard at Bayern…
His best football came under Jurgen Klopp – and Götze has explained just why Liverpool’s current boss was so brilliant for his career.
“He was my first manager, and he was the one who believed in me and gave me the chance to debut at 17 years old,” he began.
“It’s funny to see him now with Liverpool, because he’s such a natural guy in front of the media. He’s so authentic and he says whatever he wants. But I think most people just see the version of him standing on the touchline. There’s a very serious side as well. When I was 17 or 18, and not giving 100% in training, he would be so intimidating. He used to come running over and get right up in my face and start shouting at me.
“I can’t really translate from German perfectly, but you know how he talks, with his teeth grinding: “You have to have more passion! You have to give everything! F***! Come on!!!”
“Then after training, he would be completely calm again, and he’d take you aside and say, “Mario, how are you? Let’s talk about life. What’s happening?””
Liverpool went in for Götze in 2016, but the player eventually chose a return to Dortmund and we got Sadio Mane instead.
We’re mightily glad it worked out that way – with the Senegalese one of the best and most effective wingers on the planet.
This season, Mane has 26 goals in total and will hope to add to that in the Champions League Final.
His partner in crime, Mo Salah, is also sitting on 26. Interestingly, he was only a second-choice when we purchased him as well – behind Julian Brandt.
Funny how things work out!