By
Leon Goretzka's determination has turned heads at Bayern Munich, earning high praise from sporting director Christoph Freund after the midfielder clawed his way back into the team's plans.
Last year, Bayern Munich were ready to cash in on Goretzka. The club made it clear to the 30-year-old that regular minutes were not guaranteed, nudging him toward the exit door.
But Goretzka had other ideas. He dug in his heels, rejected a move, and vowed to battle for his spot in the squad.
That gamble has paid off handsomely. As the 2024-25 season has unfolded, Goretzka's persistence has seen him rack up more game time, proving his worth to the Bundesliga giants. His relentless work ethic and never-say-die attitude have not gone unnoticed, with Freund singling him out as a standout example of resilience.
Speaking at a press conference on Friday, Freund said, "Leon didn't have an easy situation. He fought his way back and has played a lot recently. We openly communicated that it would be difficult in the summer.
"It's not a matter of course that he stuck with it, never buried his head in the sand, but accepted it openly, dealt with it very professionally and said he wanted to take up the fight."
Freund added, "He just kept working, he worked very well. Hats off to him for the way he dealt with the situation. That says a lot about his character. He's played some really good games. Football is also day-to-day business, so he took his chance and is a very important factor for us."
Goretzka's revival has sparked talk of a contract extension, with his current deal set to run until 2026.
Freund didn't shy away from the topic, hinting at a bright future for the midfielder. "We'll see what the future brings," he said. "We're happy to have him because he's currently doing very well and is an important factor for us."
Recent updates from Bayern Munich's official X account back up Freund's glowing review. On March, the club posted, "Leon Goretzka's engine never stops. Another tireless shift in midfield tonight!"
Fans on X have also chimed in, with one supporter writing, "Goretzka's proving the doubters wrong - pure class and commitment."
For Bayern Munich, Goretzka's resurgence is a timely boost as they chase silverware on multiple fronts. His story is a reminder that in football, grit can sometimes outshine glamour.
