Returning hero Götze's big ambitions for BVB
Monday, October 31, 2016
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One-time Dortmund prodigy Mario Götze is back at the club after three years with Bayern and, as he tells UEFA.com, he is eager for Thomas Tuchel's "great young team" to deliver on their potential.
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How does it feel to be back at Dortmund – like coming home?
Mario Götze: Yes, of course. I know the city, the people. Some things have changed but I know the training ground having played here as a youth-teamer and I know the stadium. It definitely feels like home. I have a special relationship with this club.
What convinced you to move back?
Götze: Just the whole package. I was raised here from Under-10s upwards. I know the club's structure, the people who work here, the coaching staff and also some players from before. These were all reasons for me to come back, as well as the coach and the club's ambitions.
How much has the team changed since you left in 2013?
Götze: It's always difficult to compare past with present. Every situation, every year is different from before. We're a very young but strong team. We have the potential and a great coaching staff as well as great team spirit. We work in harmony but with big ambitions. That's the most important thing and I'm just looking forward to the future. Of course it's going to be difficult to achieve our objectives, but the fact we have such ambitions is typical of Borussia Dortmund. That's what sets us apart.
How are you enjoying working under Thomas Tuchel?
Götze: The coach may be new to me but he is excellent. I can learn a lot from him. I'm just happy to be here and I think I can help the team with all my experience on and off the pitch. This is my seventh full Bundesliga season.
How do you assess Dortmund's chances in the UEFA Champions League?
Götze: We're in a difficult group with Real Madrid, Sporting and Legia. We've already played three matches out of six. It's not going to be easy next time against Sporting. They are dangerous opponents as we saw in Lisbon, but we're playing at home, that's a great advantage, and we want the points.
What would it mean to play in a UEFA Champions League final with Dortmund, having missed the 2013 defeat against Bayern through injury?
Götze: I almost had that chance but injury denied me. To do it would be my biggest dream come true. I've been working every day for it. I have positive memories of 2012/13 because we got to the final, but it was a pity we weren't able to crown that season by winning the final. Yet that was a long time ago. I'm focusing on the future and on this Champions League season.
How would you describe your journey from youth team to BVB first team?
Götze: Back then it was great to represent Dortmund in the Bundesliga youth set-up as well as playing for Germany's junior teams. For me personally it was perfect. I learned a lot, matured and reaching the senior team aged 17 was great. I have only positive memories of my youth-team career.
