Former Bayern Munich manager Ottmar Hitzfeld believes Mario Gotze would be a good fit at Liverpool FC if the Reds choose to sign the German this summer.
The 24-year-old has had a difficult season at Bayern Munich, and has been linked with a move to a number of top European clubs. Liverpool were tipped to be the favourites to land Gotze’s signature, as reports suggested that the German international wanted a reunion with former boss Jurgen Klopp.
“When I heard that Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp might be interested I thought that was a good idea, because Gotze is a very good player who could help Liverpool,” Hitzfeld said in an interview with ESPN.
Hitzfeld, who has won seven Bundesliga titles and two Champions League trophies during his time as manager at Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich, went on to state that Gotze would fit into the Liverpool setup perfectly, as he believes that the Reds do not have another player who is as technically gifted as the 24-year-old.
“They don’t have any similar, technically strong players for the offense. Mario Gotze would fit in with Liverpool and Jurgen Klopp, who knows Gotze. He would instantly have a relationship of trust, so it would be a win-win-situation,” said Hitzfeld.
Can Klopp resurrect Gotze’s career?
Mario Gotze is certainly one of the most technically accomplished players from Germany in the current era. In fact, during his earlier days at Borussia Dortmund, Gotze was called the “German Messi”. However, Gotze’s career has taken a downturn ever since his move to Bayern Munich in 2013.
The 24-year-old was not a regular in the first team, managing only 11 Bundesliga and one Champions League starts last season, under manager Pep Guardiola. A reunion with Klopp could help Gotze turn his career around, as the German manager had helped Gotze become a star under his gegenpressing system at the Signal Iduna Park.
£8 million bid for Joe Allen rejected
Liverpool had rejected an £8 million bid for Welsh midfielder Joe Allen from his former club Swansea City, last week, according to a report in Liverpool Echo.
Allen has been in great form at the Euro 2016 in France, helping Wales reach the knockout stages of the competition. His performances in the competition are said to have drawn the attention of a number of clubs. The Liverpool Echo report states that although Swansea may not be in the running to land the 26-year-old’s signature anymore, other clubs have shown interest in the player.
“I think he does the dirty work that maybe goes unnoticed. But for us, we know how vitally important he is and how amazing he’s played. In the squad we appreciate him very much,” Real Madrid star Gareth Bale said, when asked about Allen. “Maybe he doesn’t get the headlines outside, but in the sq uad he gets them. He works his socks off every game and I’m sure he’ll go on to do incredible things in his career,” he added.
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