Kroos: I never doubted my Bayern future

Bayern Munich midfielder Toni Kroos has said that he never had any doubts that he would make it at the Allianz Arena.

The Germany international was linked with a move away from the club in the summer following the arrivals of Mario Gotze and Thiago Alcantara.

However, he has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola's starting XI this term and was always certain he would keep his place in the team.

"Of course I noticed what was said and there were many people of this opinion," he told TZ.

"But I was always sure and I had some conversations with really important people. Ultimately, though, it depends on what I show on the pitch. And that's why I was relaxed."

Kroos and Gotze have often featured together this term and Kroos is delighted with the impact the former Borussia Dortmund man has made.

"Mario is a fantastic footballer. I told him when he joined that we would have a lot of fun together. And that he would be a success with me and with Bayern," he continued.

Bayern take on Raja Casablanca on Saturday in the Club World Cup final and Kroos says 2013 has been an incredible year from him, despite injury ruling him out of the run-in to the Bavarians' treble.

"It was very positive! We have won everything there was to be won as a team. For me personally, I always played up until the phase of injury," he said.

"I've always had my place in the starting XI. That's why I'm very satisfied."

Read More»

Gotze : Still not reached my top form

Mario Gotze says he is currently operating at 95 per cent of his potential, after scoring his first league goal for the team against Hertha Berlin.

After Adrian Ramos scored the opener for the capital club, a double by Mario Mandzukic and a Gotze header ensured Pep Guardiola's men took all three points at the Allianz Arena.

And Gotze, who has recently recovered from an ankle injury, was delighted with contributing to the success despite admitting he has not yet reached full fitness.

"I'm at 95 per cent of my potential and I think I'm ready to play 90 minutes again," the 21-year-old told reporters.

"Playing 70 minutes was very important to me, I want to be at 100% again quickly."

"My goal was good for the team, especially towards the end. However, I was a little surprised myself how the ball ended up in the net."

The holding German champions currently top the Bundesliga table with a one-point lead over Borussia Dortmund.

Read More»

Gotze nearing Bayern comeback

Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola will shortly be able to call upon the services of Mario Gotze after a spell on the sidelines for the 21-year-old.

The Germany international picked up an ankle injury in his side's Super Cup win over Chelsea back in August and has been out of action ever since.

Nevertheless, the former Borussia Dortmund star is set to resume regular training action as he is edging ever closer to his comeback.

"Gotze's currently working out individually with the ball but, if all goes according to plan, he should be able to join in parts of the squad workout in a couple of days," a statement on the official Bayern website reads.

Meanwhile, Javi Martinez is still some way off making his comeback after groin surgery earlier this month, but the Spain international is off crutches at last and has begun stamina-building running.

"I’m feeling better with every passing day. I hope I can be back helping the team very soon," the holding midfielder said.

Read More»