Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka is facing uncertainty over his future, with sporting director Christoph Freund downplaying the possibility of a January move. Meanwhile, João Palhinha’s absence from Portugal’s 3-1 Nations League win over Poland raised questions, though head coach Roberto Martinez explained it was due to personal reasons. Lastly, Bayern’s Aleksandar Pavlović, who had been struggling with injury, may be fit for his first start with Germany in their upcoming match against the Netherlands.
Goretzka’s Potential January Move: Christoph Freund’s Take
Bayern Munich’s Leon Goretzka finds himself in a difficult situation, being out of favor at the club.
The season is still underway, and there may be an opportunity for Goretzka to work his way back into new head coach Vincent Kompany’s plans. As of now, the club’s management is not openly considering a move for the midfielder in the January transfer window.
Christoph Freund addressed the possibility of Goretzka leaving Bayern in January: “That’s not our topic at the moment,” said the sporting director last month, as reported by @iMiaSanMia. “Leon is training well and giving everything. He came on in the Champions League game [vs. Dinamo Zagreb] and immediately scored a goal. He’s there when he’s needed. You never know what will happen and how things will develop in three to four months. We’ll see.”
Can Goretzka make his way back into Bayern’s lineup? The Bavarians have faced some setbacks recently, and it’s during these moments that Goretzka has stepped up in the past.
Why Did João Palhinha Miss Portugal’s Win Over Poland?
João Palhinha’s limited playing time at Bayern Munich has been widely discussed, with the midfielder starting just one of the club’s nine matches this season. However, it was unexpected to see him left out of Portugal’s matchday squad for their 3-1 Nations League victory over Poland, especially as a key player for the 2024 EUROs. The question arises: why was he excluded? Could his tough start at Bayern Munich have already affected his standing with the national team?
Head coach Roberto Martinez explained the reason: “I think the context is important. We have three days and two demanding games,” the former Everton head coach explained, as captured by @iMiaSanMia. “Palhinha was given permission to miss the first training session, and it was important to have two more training sessions before being on the squad. He will be there against Scotland. It’s about trying to manage the players.”
Palhinha did request to skip the first training session for personal reasons. While Martinez’s explanation seems reasonable, it wouldn’t be the first time a coach has used such a reason to cover up a larger issue. If Martinez is genuinely still relying on the former Sporting CP player, he may feature in Portugal’s next match on Tuesday.
Pavlović Could Be Fit for First Start with Germany
When it was announced on Friday that Bayern Munich’s Aleksandar Pavlović was injured and would miss Germany’s game against Bosnia and Herzegovina, fans were concerned about the possibility of further bad news.
Thankfully, it seems the young player will be alright.
As reported by Sky Sports journalist Kerry Hau (via @IMiaSanMia), Pavlović may make his first start for the German national team on Monday against the Netherlands.
“Aleksandar Pavlović is taking part in Germany’s final training session ahead of the game against the Netherlands and is a candidate for the starting XI tomorrow.”
Pictures later surfaced showing Pavlović participating in the training session.
Pascal Groß and Robert Andrich played as the double pivot for Julian Nagelsmann on Friday, but all indications suggest Pavlović will get the opportunity to make his first start for Germany.
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