Kompany explains decision to give Goretzka surprise start

Vincent Kompany says it was a “normal decision” to give Leon Goretzka his first start of the season against St. Pauli.

Bayern Munich coach Vincent Kompany pulled a rabbit out of his hat on Saturday when he opted to give Leon Goretzka his first start of the season in the 1-0 Bundesliga win over St. Pauli.

The decision came as a surprise as Goretzka has slipped down the pecking order since Kompany took over, with reports suggesting he no longer has a future at the club.

However, Kompany said it was a “normal decision” to give the midfielder a rare start ahead of Joao Palhinha.

“We didn’t doubt his qualities for a second, so it’s a normal decision for me, but I also understand that the questions are coming now,” said Kompany at his post-match press conference, adding that Bayern needed “fresh legs” after their midweek game against Benfica in the Champions League.

Bayern sporting director Christoph Freund was asked if Goretzka still had a future at the club.

“You can see that. If we didn’t need him, he wouldn’t be playing.

“Leon is a Bayern player, he’s doing really well and was important again today,” Freund said.

Goretzka, 29, has played 216 minutes in nine games in all competitions this season.