Leon Goretzka Reflects on Uli Hoeneß's Impact at Bayern Munich

In a recent interview, Bayern Munich midfielder Leon Goretzka shared insights into how club legend Uli Hoeneß has been a pivotal influence on his return to form during the 2024/25 season. Goretzka, who faced challenges early in the season, cited Hoeneß's philosophy as a guiding principle, urging players to assess their contributions to the club, irrespective of their roles.

Hoeneß, known for his profound connection to the club and its players, has been a significant figure at Bayern Munich for decades. As the former president and current honorary president, his words carry weight. Goretzka reflected on a pivotal moment when Hoeneß encouraged players to ask themselves how they could support the club, a sentiment Goretzka embraced since the summer of 2023. "I had already asked myself that question back then, and my answer was yes," Goretzka stated in an interview with Welt am Sonntag, emphasizing the internal process of self-reflection that he believes is essential for success at Bayern Munich.

The midfielder noted that Hoeneß not only leads by example but also possesses an innate ability to motivate players during difficult times. "I spoke with Uli Hoeneß. He has a very good sense of when he can and should contact the players. I had many important conversations with him. Uli Hoeneß was always there for me," Goretzka remarked, underscoring the supportive role Hoeneß plays in the players' lives.

Having struggled in the first half of the season, Goretzka's journey has taken a positive turn as he has regained his position in head coach Vincent Kompany's starting lineup and is also making strides with the German national team. This resurgence comes at a time when Goretzka's future at Bayern is uncertain, particularly as he enters the final year of his contract. Nonetheless, the midfielder appears to be on an upward trajectory, buoyed by the guidance of Hoeneß and his own dedication to the club.

Goretzka's experience is emblematic of the broader challenges facing players at elite clubs, where competition for places is fierce, and performance can fluctuate dramatically. His resurgence is a testament to the importance of mental resilience and the influence of strong leadership within football clubs. As Bayern Munich prepares for the remainder of the season, Goretzka's story serves as a reminder of the critical role that mentorship and self-evaluation play in achieving success in sports. Looking forward, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how Goretzka's renewed form impacts Bayern's ambitions both domestically and in European competitions.