Question: How much confidence does this clear victory against Bremen give you for the game against Juventus, particularly in terms of scoring goals as well?
Götze: I don’t think that’s something we’ve had problems with this season. We are in a good rhythm, we are playing good football and we know how important the game on Wednesday is for the club. Obviously it was important to go into the match on the back of a victory. Now we can look forward to Wednesday.
Question: Will the game with Juventus require even more focus than other matches, because every mistake can be punished immediately?
Götze: Yes of course. We all saw what happened in the first leg: We were leading 2-0 and playing very, very well but suddenly they were level again. We know how dangerous they are. This is the Champions League and we are in the knockout stages, where every mistake is punished. But we will be prepared.
Question: Your elbow is bandaged, what happened?
Götze: Something happened, but I’m not quite sure what it was yet. It happened when we scored the opener. I fell onto my elbow and now it’s swollen. We will take a look at it but I don’t think it’s anything severe.
Question: It wouldn’t stop you from playing against Juventus?
Götze: No, I don’t think so. At least that’s how I feel now. But I don’t know what will be the case tomorrow.
FC Bayern München recorded a thumping 5-0 victory over SV Werder Bremen on Bundesliga matchday 26. Aside from temporarily extending their lead over second-placed Borussia Dortmund to eight points, the record champions were able to welcome back Mario Götze, who made his first appearance since matchday 8.
DFB.de spoke with the World Champion after the game.
Question: Mr. Götze, how good did it feel to be back in action?
Mario Götze: I’m simply happy to be able to play again after such a long time away from the game and it’s great to come back and secure a victory. The important thing for me is that my injury is fully healed and that my physical condition is improving. That’s all that matters right now.
Question: How far are you in your recovery?
Götze: It’s difficult to put an exact number to it, especially since I was gone for such a long time. I had a lengthy recovery and it wasn’t an easy time after such a severe injury. That’s why I’m simply happy that I was able to come back and play again. In terms of my rhythm I would say that I’m at 80 or 90 percent. But that’s completely normal and will sort itself out as I play more games.
Question: Is 80 percent enough to start the game against Juventus?
Götze: You’ll have to ask our manager that question. I don’t know our line-up yet. Time will tell.
Question: How much confidence does this clear victory against Bremen give you for the game against Juventus, particularly in terms of scoring goals as well?
Götze: I don’t think that’s something we’ve had problems with this season. We are in a good rhythm, we are playing good football and we know how important the game on Wednesday is for the club. Obviously it was important to go into the match on the back of a victory. Now we can look forward to Wednesday.
Question: Will the game with Juventus require even more focus than other matches, because every mistake can be punished immediately?
Götze: Yes of course. We all saw what happened in the first leg: We were leading 2-0 and playing very, very well but suddenly they were level again. We know how dangerous they are. This is the Champions League and we are in the knockout stages, where every mistake is punished. But we will be prepared.
Question: Your elbow is bandaged, what happened?
Götze: Something happened, but I’m not quite sure what it was yet. It happened when we scored the opener. I fell onto my elbow and now it’s swollen. We will take a look at it but I don’t think it’s anything severe.
Question: It wouldn’t stop you from playing against Juventus?
Götze: No, I don’t think so. At least that’s how I feel now. But I don’t know what will be the case tomorrow.
