Lothar Matthaus Comments on Mario Gotze's Decision to Stay with Bayern Munich

Former Bayern Munich ace Lothar Matthaus has applauded Mario Gotze for turning his back on Liverpool and showing a willingness to fight for his place with Bayern Munich.

Instead of moving to Anfield and reuniting with manager Jurgen Klopp, who made him a star at Borussia Dortmund, Gotze has indicated he'll stay at Bayern, despite new boss Carlo Ancelotti already indicating he's free to leave.

It's a decision that has earned Matthaus' respect, per an interview with TZ (h/t Goal.com's Stefan Coerts): "I don't know whether there was indeed an offer from Liverpool. But why would he join a club that do not even play in the Champions League?"   

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Instead, Matthaus believes the apparent transfer U-turn is a sign that Gotze, an oft-injured and inconsistent World Cup winner, is finally maturing:

"

Mario has shown with his latest comments that he is ready to fight for his place. This whole situation will only make him stronger. I applaud his decision to stay put. He is finally standing up for himself. He is taking his career in his own hands at last.

He is not taking the easy way out, but is taking on the challenge. He wants to show Bayern what he can do. I have waited for this for quite some time. This is a sign that he is getting mature.

"

Matthaus doesn't even think Gotze is merely waiting around for the opportunity to pocket a larger signing fee if he opts to leave Munich a year from now: "I don't think he is looking to leave on a free transfer in 2017 and earn a big signing fee. He has already made enough money. He did this because he wants to show Bayern he is a player of the highest level."

Whether that's true or not, Gotze's decision to shun the chance to work with Klopp again is somewhat surprising. Earlier this month, Suddeutsche Zeitung (h/t the Daily Mirror's Alex Richards) reported how Ancelotti, who will succeed Pep Guardiola this summer, told Gotze he can leave after just nine full starts this season.

Petr David Josek/Associated Press

Richards also noted how Klopp "is eager for a reunion with his former protege at Anfield."

But Gotze dashed those hopes earlier this week when he told German publication Bild (h/t Neil Jones of the Liverpool Echo): “I look forward to the new season in Munich. I’ll do everything to be in top shape during Ancelotti’s first training.”

The same report indicated how Gotze also ditched his representation, Sport Total. It's a move that could reaffirm his commitment to Bayern, based on these words from ESPN's Raphael Honigstein:

There's no doubt Gotze can succeed at Bayern. He boasts the flair and creativity to thrive out wide, just off the striker or at the heart of midfield.

Ancelotti has traditionally made room for a plethora of attack-minded players in his teams, so he'll know how to finally get the best out of Gotze.

The timing of the player's change of heart doesn't have to be so curious. Liverpool's failure to win the UEFA Europa League means no UEFA Champions League football next season.

A player such as Gotze—so far more potential than realised talent—needs to prove himself at the highest level.