He came, he saw, he conquered - and was still reserved, following his first hour back in Dortmund’s starting XI during the 3-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg. After the game, despite having received all the plaudits, as well as the ceaseless celebratory chants from the travelling BVB fans, nothing could break this reserve of the World Cup final winning-goal scorer. “I am happy again, I felt good today” said the 25 year-old, “But I am still not at 100%”.
But his league comeback, after almost seven months out due to a metabolic disorder, was another step on the long road towards being a key player for the DFB-Pokal champions - and someday maybe also for the national team. But until then Götze says he just needs to put in “a lot of training and hard work”.
“When Mario plays, it’s a joy to watch”
Götze still managed to get an assist for Christian Pulisic’s goal, complete several successful dribbles, and take a couple of shots at goal. At times though, it was clear that the world champion is still short on match practice. BVB coach Peter Bosz also took this cautious stance on the matter. “Mario is an exceptional player with many qualities” said the Dutchman. “But we must be patient. Against Wolfsburg he racked up a few match minutes and managed to avoid injury.”
BVB Sporting Director Hans-Joachim Watzke was not quite so reserved: “When Mario plays, it’s a joy to watch. He no longer plays like Messi, but more like Iniesta. He is going to be a key figure for us.”
He came, he saw, he conquered - and was still reserved, following his first hour back in Dortmund’s starting XI during the 3-0 win over VfL Wolfsburg. After the game, despite having received all the plaudits, as well as the ceaseless celebratory chants from the travelling BVB fans, nothing could break this reserve of the World Cup final winning-goal scorer. “I am happy again, I felt good today” said the 25 year-old, “But I am still not at 100%”.
But his league comeback, after almost seven months out due to a metabolic disorder, was another step on the long road towards being a key player for the DFB-Pokal champions - and someday maybe also for the national team. But until then Götze says he just needs to put in “a lot of training and hard work”.
“When Mario plays, it’s a joy to watch”
Götze still managed to get an assist for Christian Pulisic’s goal, complete several successful dribbles, and take a couple of shots at goal. At times though, it was clear that the world champion is still short on match practice. BVB coach Peter Bosz also took this cautious stance on the matter. “Mario is an exceptional player with many qualities” said the Dutchman. “But we must be patient. Against Wolfsburg he racked up a few match minutes and managed to avoid injury.”
BVB Sporting Director Hans-Joachim Watzke was not quite so reserved: “When Mario plays, it’s a joy to watch. He no longer plays like Messi, but more like Iniesta. He is going to be a key figure for us.”
