Mario Basler has voiced his disappointment regarding Leon Goretzka’s imminent departure from FC Bayern Munich. He is advocating for the 31-year-old to be included in the starting lineup for the Champions League semi-final clash against PSG.
Basler stated, «I’m sorry he’s not staying at FC Bayern. It hurts me that he has to leave. I think it’s a real shame.» The 57-year-old believes that Goretzka would still be a valuable sporting asset for the record German champions. Consequently, he suggested to coach Vincent Kompany that the 31-year-old should be in the starting eleven for the upcoming match against Paris-Saint-Germain.
Basler finds it incomprehensible that Goretzka’s teammate Aleksandar Pavlovic was preferred in the double-six role during the first leg against the French team. In Basler’s opinion, Goretzka is «the more stable» player and therefore a must-start in the second leg. Furthermore, he considers it «an outrage» that Bayern is allowing the midfielder to leave on a free transfer instead of extending his expiring contract. «I find it incomprehensible. He has all the qualities, both defensively and offensively. That’s why I can’t understand why they’re letting him go,» the 57-year-old lamented about his former club.
It’s worth noting that Basler’s opinion on Goretzka wasn’t always so positive. In 2018, he expressed significant reservations about Goretzka’s move from FC Schalke 04 to Bayern, doubting whether the now-international player would even establish himself at Säbener Straße. Goretzka recently recalled a bet he made with coaching legend Peter Neururer about this in an interview with the club magazine ’51’.
Basler commented on this, saying, «I don’t remember that anymore, but I’m allowed to be wrong once in ten years. I made that statement back then and believed that the step from Schalke to Bayern was too big at first. It’s great that he has developed so well in the end.» His opinion has since changed, and he even managed to offer a direct apology to Goretzka.
Kimmich: Goretzka’s Departure? «Very Emotional»
Alongside Basler, Goretzka’s long-time teammate Joshua Kimmich also looks back on the approaching departure with a touch of sadness. «You can tell, of course, that he’s also realizing that his time is coming to an end. It’s very emotional for everyone, including me. We’ve played together for a long time. That’s a long time when you have a career of ten to fifteen years as a professional and you’re at Bayern Munich for eight years. That’s intense,» Kimmich explained after the 3:3 draw against 1. FC Heidenheim, where Goretzka shone with two goals.
Sporting Director Max Eberl also praised him, saying, «Leon? Super. When we told him a year and three-quarters ago that it would be difficult, he played the season very well. Last summer, when we said it could be difficult, he fought his way back.» Even in winter, when FC Bayern informed him that his expiring contract would not be extended, Goretzka decided to stay in Munich. «He had a good instinct,» said Eberl.
Goretzka Leaves FC Bayern Munich on a Free Transfer
Bayern announced at the end of January that they would not extend the contract of the 69-time international, which was valid until the end of June 2026. Goretzka will therefore leave the record German champions at the end of the season after eight years together, on a free transfer. Potential new employers mentioned are AC Milan and Atletico Madrid.
The 31-year-old moved to Säbener Straße from Schalke 04 in 2018 and has since made 309 appearances for the Munich club across all competitions. Under Kompany, Goretzka has often been third choice in central midfield this season, behind Kimmich and Pavlovic. Nevertheless, he has made 45 appearances, scoring five goals and providing four assists.