Mario Gotze has fired a warning shot to those people who compare him with Argentina forward Lionel Messi. As unrealistic as it sounds, the German midfielder claims that ever since Germany coach Joachim Low told him to show that he is better than Messi in the 2014 World Cup, the German media has been comparing him with the Barcelona forward.
The 23-year-old now claims that although Low’s words inspired him to perform better against the La Albiceleste in the finals of the global tournament, he shouldn’t have revealed it to the media. Speaking to Goal, he said:
"Not really, that's (Low's comments) right. At the time Jogi Low said that to me, it was very motivating. In retrospect, silence about it would have been better.
"Perhaps journalists began comparing me with Messi after this but that just makes no sense. We play in different positions. You would not compare a defender with a striker. They should arrange things right, which is not always done, in the context of me as a player.
Gotze has been out of action due to a knee injury since October when he scored against his former side Borussia Dortmund in the 5-1 win for the Bavarians.
The former Borussia Dortmund man scores the winning goal for Germany against Argentina in the 2014 World Cup final
During the interview, he added:
"I feel good, I am fit and in good spirits.
"Anyone who was been injured for a long period can emphasise how happy you are when you are able to be back on the pitch. Of course, the match rhythm is still missing; I cannot have it yet.
"Also you have to get back the trust in your body after such a long injury but, with my third week of training in the bag, I'm just looking forward to Saturday. I'm ready."
Gotze has only scored one goal in the Bundesliga for Pep Guardiola’s men this season in seven appearances.
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