Matthaus: Why would Gotze join Liverpool?

Sarah Winterburn

Bayern Munich legend Lothar Matthaus has laughed at the notion that Mario Gotze would join Jurgen Klopp at Liverpool.

Gotze has confirmed that he wants to stay at Bayern and fight for his place under new manager Carlo Ancelotti and Matthaus says that joining Liverpool – fresh from finishing eighth in the Premier League – would have been the easy option.

“I don’t know whether there was indeed an offer from Liverpool,” Matthaus told TZ. “But why would he join a club that do not even play in the Champions League?

“He would have taken the easy solution with a move to Liverpool. But the easy solution is not always the right solution.

“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.

“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.”