Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has stressed that Mario Gotze was fine with Pep Guardiola’s decision to bench him versus Borussia Dortmund.
The Germany international was desperate to make an impact against his former team heading into the game, but eventually had to settle for a substitute’s role in his side’s 1-0 win.
Gotze only featured for the final 10 minutes of the game after replacing Thomas Muller, but Sammer has insisted the 2014 World Cup winner realises the team’s interests come first.
“Of course, Mario would have preferred to play from the start,” Sammer was quoted as saying by TZ.
“We are Bayern Munich, though. The individual has to realise the team’s success comes first.
“And Mario understood and accepted this.
“There are plenty of big games coming up and we have to be flexible. He will get the chance to score some important goals in the weeks to come and everything is alright again then.”
Gotze has been a key figure for Bayern this term, scoring nine goals in 25 Bundesliga appearances.