Mario Götze has hit back at criticism he has received after Bayern Munich’s emphatic 3-0 defeat to Barcelona on Wednesday which left their hopes of reaching the Champions League hanging by a thread, while issuing an apology of sorts to the club’s supporters.
Götze was an ineffectual substitute at the Camp Nou, coming off the bench just before Lionel Messi’s superb second goal and Neymar’s late effort that leaves Bayern heading towards another heavy semi-final exit under Pep Guardiola, having lost 5-0 on aggregate to the eventual champions Real Madrid last season.
Götze was accused of taking Wednesday’s defeat lightly after he was seen in high spirits after the match with his fellow German and the Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-André ter Stegen and the 22-year-old felt compelled address the issue on his Facebook page.
“There were reports in the press that I joked around and had a laugh with my friend Marc-André ter Stegen after the match,” wrote Gótze. “Those who think that the defeat is of no interest to me are completely wrong. I was every bit as disappointed as each of you fans and my team-mates. If that was not the message I conveyed, then I would like to apologise for that!
“I’d also like to add that I give my all for the club at all times, always strive towards achieving success with my team and behave respectfully towards the fans, FC Bayern and the opposing team.”
