Football-Bundesliga - Company Debut in Focus: Goretzka and Gnabry
At the premiere of the test match for trainer Vincent Kompany, two stars of FC Bayern Munchen are in focus: Leon Goretzka and Serge Goretzka. In contrast to the EM participants, the 29-year-olds are already fully back in training – and ready for the preparatory game this Wednesday (18.30 pm) against the lower-class FC Rottach-Egern. For both, it's about taking important roles for the upcoming season at the football record champions.
Another 27:0?
The first game with Kompany on the sidelines against the underclass opponent who was defeated 27:0 last year won't bring the big insights. However, Kompany's expectations for his new team are still high.
Kompany wants "a reaction"
"The impression was very positive," said Kompany. "I won't look back too much on the last season." But for both professionals, it's about showing a reaction, as Kompany, the 38-year-old, put it. "We don't need to make grand speeches, but just show that we're up for it."
Goretzka and Gnabry want to prove themselves for Bayern-roster spots and Bundesteam nominations. "We all want to start anew. The cards are reshuffled," said Gnabry, who was not nominated for the EM by national team coach Julian Nagelsmann due to a season full of injuries, in an interview with the TV broadcaster Sky. Nagelsmann passed on Goretzka despite his increasing performance curve towards the end of the season.
Exciting personnel questions
Kompany left open how he plans with Goretzka, Gnabry, and Joshua Kimmich. Much is being speculated about the trio, which as Champions League winners in 2020 celebrated the historic Six-Title Year,. Kimmich's contract, who is still on vacation after the EM, runs until 2025. The employment contracts of Gnabry and Goretzka are dated until 2026. The three national players, who are now among the most dedicated professionals in the squad, could still be candidates for a transfer.
Hoeneß: Opportunity for Goretzka
"I can't say anything about Joshua Kimmich yet, he's still on vacation. When he's back, we can talk calmly. He's a very reasonable man, with whom one can reason reasonably," said Supervisory Board member Uli Hoeneß about the long-term leader. Goretzka will get a second chance at FC Bayern, Hoeneß said. "He has the opportunity to prove himself. The last two years didn't go well."
Last year, Goretzka, who was considered a sale candidate in the summer of 2023, made 42 appearances in mandatory games. Gnabry, who often missed games due to an arm fracture and muscle injuries, played only 20 mandatory games. "We all cut off the old season, which for me personally didn't go well because of the injuries," said Gnabry.
- Following the test match for trainer Vincent Kompany, the focus in Munich's FC Bayern is on stars like Leon Goretzka and Serge Goretzka, both fully back and ready for the game against FC Rottach-Egern.
- In the Bundesliga, Kompany expects a strong reaction from his team, with players like Joshua Kimmich, Goretzka, and Serge Goretzka playing crucial roles this season.
- The upcoming game against FC Rottach-Egern provides an opportunity for Goretzka to prove himself again at FC Bayern and potentially secure a spot in the German national team, just like teammate Serge Goretzka.
- Despite their busy schedules, Vincent Kompany, Joshua Kimmich, and other players continue their training and preparation for the upcoming soccer season in Germany's Bundesliga.
- Despite their history as Champions League winners, there are exciting personnel questions regarding Goretzka, Gnabry, and Kimmich, whose contracts with FC Bayern Munich extend to 2026.
- In an interview with Sky, forwarder Serge Gnabry discussed his eagerness for a fresh start, mentioning how he was not nominated for the EUROs due to injuries, while Nagelsmann overlooked Goretzka's increasing performance curve.
- As the squad's most dedicated professionals, Gnabry, Goretzka, and Kimmich will look to put their challenging past seasons behind them and focus on a successful Bundesliga campaign with FC Bayern Munich.
