Liverpool transfer news: Mario Gotze 'deserves the best' says Bayern Munich coach Pep Guardiola

The Germany international has been heavily linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena

Friday 01 April 2016 15:38 BST

Bayern Munich manager Pep Guardiola sits in front of substitute Mario Götze (Getty)

Pep Guardiola has insisted that Mario Götze can still be a success at Bayern Munich and that he only wants the best for the attacking midfielder.

The 23-year-old has been heavily linked with a move away from the Allianz Arena, having struggled to establish himself since his £31.5million move from Borussia Dortmund in 2013.

Götze is believed to be attracting interest from both his former club and his ex-manager Jurgen Klopp, who is currently in charge at Liverpool.

Guardiola, however, has stressed that the Germany international still has a future with the Bundesliga champions.

"I have a lot of respect for Mario and for his career so far," said Bayern’s head coach at a press conference ahead of the Saturday’s home game against Eintracht Frankfurt.

"Of course I know what he can do. My opinion about him does not change because of one good or bad game. Mario can play in any formation, I could have played him in the match versus Cologne, but I preferred to play more midfielders.

"I want the best for Mario. He can still succeed at Bayern. And he is a great guy. He deserves the best.

Liverpool players who could leave this summer

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1/12Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Daniel Sturridge

An electric frontman just three years ago, Sturridge has now lost a bit of that spark due to persistent injury problems. However, according to Jamie Carragher, Sturridge has become irked at speculation linking him with a move away, suggesting he may yet stick around to prove himself. Survival rating: 6/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Alberto Moreno

Moreno is surely in line to depart this summer, having been frozen out of the starting line-up since the opening day win at Arsenal and kept out by a makeshift left-back. Although he offers an obvious attacking threat, his lack of composure has cost Liverpool too many times in his short Anfield career. Survival rating: 2/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Simon Mignolet

He may have won his battle with Loris Karius for the starting spot between the sticks, but both may have lost the war. Neither have convinced when given an opportunity and Mignolet is merely the man in possession. There will be concern if that’s still the case come next season’s opening weekend. Survival rating: 8/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Emre Can

A player with undoubted potential, but one who has consistently under-performed. His contractual situation is a worry, too. Can’s current deal expires in the summer of 2018 and, with negotiations progressing slowly, Liverpool could be tempted to cash in. Survival rating: 7/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Lucas Leiva

A club stalwart, a fan favourite, but a player undoubtedly coming to the end of his time at Anfield. His contract expires this summer and a renewal would be one borne out of sentiment rather than sense. Survival rating: 2/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Loris Karius

Like Mignolet, Karius' future will depend on whether Klopp decides to enter the market for a goalkeeper for the second consecutive summer. If he does, last year's signing from Mainz will have a long road back to the first team. He is young, though, and his status as a relatively new signing could work in his favour. Survival rating: 7/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Ragnar Klavan

Brought in as a fourth-choice centre-back last summer, Klavan shot up the pecking order following Mamadou Sakho’s disciplinary issues. Joel Matip’s injury problems saw Klavan promoted further still and, though he has put in a handful of solid displays, others have been below-par. If a new centre-back arrives and Joe Gomez’s development continues apace, Klavan will be back on the fringes. Survival rating: 7/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Mamadou Sakho

Sakho is currently out on loan at Crystal Palace and his Anfield career looks all but over after the disciplinary problems which have dogged him. Klopp looks to have made his mind up on the defender, who would be a regular starter if he had his manager's trust. Survival rating: 1/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Jon Flanagan

Local-born Flanagan is a fan favourite who only signed a new contract last season, but as an old-fashioned full-back, he is perhaps not dynamic enough for Klopp's system. A lack of minutes at loan club Burnley will not have helped his cause. Survival rating: 2/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Andre Wisdom

Wisdom broke into Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool side during the Northern Irishman's first season at the club, but his progress has stagnated. The 23-year-old may now look to build a career away from English football, having spent this season on loan at Red Bull Salzburg. Survival rating: 2/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Lazar Markovic

Markovic seems destined to become an expensive Liverpool flop, having flattered to deceive since his £20million move from Benfica in 2014. He could yet enjoy success elsewhere however, and has shown glimpses of his undeniable talent while on loan at Hull. Survival rating: 3/10

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Liverpool players who could leave this summer

Danny Ings

Liverpool's forgotten man has been unlucky with injuries since joining from Burnley. Ings has made just 11 starts in two years following two serious knee injuries. With any luck, Klopp will show sympathy to his beleaguered striker. Survival rating: 6/10

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"Mario is one of the most professional players I have ever met in my career. I have never spoken badly about him, because he never gives me any reason to do so. He is hugely professional."

The speculation linking Götze with a move to Anfield has intensified recently, with reports earlier this week suggesting that Liverpool are confident of securing the attacking midfielder’s signature.

Götze, who scored the winning goal in the 2014 World Cup final, has made just 12 appearances for Bayern this season, scoring four times and claiming three assists.

The 23-year-old suffered a hamstring injury during his national side’s 1-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland in October which sidelined him for four months.

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