Bayern Munich star ‘upset’ after being axed by Vincent Kompany

Bayern Munich chief Max Eberl says Leon Goretzka is ‘upset’ at being left out of another squad under Vincent Kompany.

The midfielder did not feature on the pitch or the bench in Bayern’s thumping 6-1 victory over Bundesliga newcomers Holstein Kiel.

Goretzka also missed their 4-0 win against SSV Ulm 1846 in the DFB-Pokal and has played just one minute of football this season.

His latest absence appears to show that Kompany prefers to start the other midfield options in his squad despite Goretzka’s experience.

Speaking ahead of Bayern’s win at Holstein Kiel, director of sport Eberl explained the German’s omission from the team on Saturday.

“We communicated very clearly from the start,” he told Sky Germany via Bulinews.

“Leon knew that we were relying on Pavlo [Aleksandar Pavlovic], and that we would bring in [Joao] Palhinha and that Joshua [Kimmich] would play more in the centre again. It’s just that the competition is fierce.”

Eberl added: “We’ve also said that when Leon is there and ready to face the situation, he’ll be treated completely normally.

“Leon’s a great guy. I like him a lot, even though he’s obviously upset at the moment. I understand that too. But that’s part of life in football.”

Goretzka has made 222 appearances across all competitions for Bayern since signing from Schalke in 2018.

He has scored 40 goals and assisted another 46 during his spell, with five Bundesliga titles and a Champions League coming his way among various other honours.

The 29-year-old has also made 57 appearances for the German national team, but Kompany is not choosing to select him in midfield.

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However, the former Burnley boss has previously suggested that Goretzka could play a role at centre-back if needed.

He started alongside Eric Dier in defence in a 4-0 friendly win over Grasshoppers in August, and afterwards Kompany said: “Leon did a great job. He can slip into that role well.” 

Bayern have won all three of their opening Bundesliga matches this season and sit top of the table with nine points and 11 goals scored.

After his hat-trick against Holstein Kiel, Harry Kane sits joint-top of the league’s scoring charts on four goals alongside Hoffenheim’s Andrej Kramaric.

Jamal Musiala netted in the opening minute, with a Nicolai Remberg own-goal and a Michael Olise finish completing the scoring for Bayern.

Champions League action is next for the German giants as they face Dinamo Zagreb at home in their first match of the competition’s new format.

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