Liverpool transfer news: Mario Gotze 'deserves the best' says Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola

The Germany international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena

Mark Critchley
Friday 01 April 2016 10:38 EDT
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Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola sits in front of substitute Mario Götze
Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola sits in front of substitute Mario Götze (Getty)

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Pep Guardiola has insisted that Mario Götze can still be a success at Bayern Munich and that he only wants the best for the attacking midfielder.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena, having struggled to establish himself since his £31.5million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

Götze is believed to be attracting interest from both his former club and his ex-manager Jurgen Klopp, who is currently in charge at Liverpool.

Guardiola, however, has stressed that the Germany international still has a future with the Bundesliga champions.

"I have a lot of respect for Mario and for his career so far," said Bayern’s head coach at a press conference ahead of the Saturday’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

"Of course I know what he can do. My opinion about him does not change because of one good or bad game. Mario can play in any formation, I could have played him in the match versus Cologne, but I preferred to play more midfielders.

"I want the best for Mario. He can still succeed at Bayern. And he is a great guy. He deserves the best.

"Mario is one of the most professional players I have ever met in my career. I have never spoken badly about him, because he never gives me any reason to do so. He is hugely professional."

The speculation linking Götze with a move to Anfield has intensified recently, with reports earlier this week suggesting that Liverpool are confident of securing the attacking midfielder’s signature.

Götze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, has made just 12 appearances for Bayern this season, scoring four times and claiming three assists.

The 23-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his national side’s 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in October which sidelined him for four months.

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