Mario Gotze's Near-Miss Transfer to Liverpool

In a poignant revelation, former Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich star Mario Gotze, renowned for scoring the decisive goal for Germany in the thrilling 2014 World Cup final, has opened up about his near-miss transfer to Liverpool. In a candid piece for The Players' Tribune, Gotze shared the details of his encounter with Jurgen Klopp, the charismatic Liverpool manager who once coached him at Dortmund.

Crucial Crossroads in 2016

In 2016, Gotze found himself at a crucial crossroads. He recalls, "I nearly went to a famous team in England called Liverpool. The coach there was a man named Jurgen Klopp. Maybe you’ve seen pictures of him? Tall, big smile, very funny. Jurgen had been my coach at Dortmund, and I did not realize how lucky I was to have him."

A Genuine Connection with Klopp

This meeting wasn't just about football; it was a genuine connection. "We sat down at his home in Liverpool with our wives," Gotze explained. "What makes Jurgen special is that he sees Mario the person. We did not talk much about football. He wasn’t saying, 'How can I convince you? What do you want?' Instead, he asked me about life in general. I felt that he truly cared."

Klopp's Emphasis on Fun

Klopp emphasized the fun aspect of playing at Liverpool, saying to Gotze, "Look, Mario, you’ll play a lot, and you’ll have fun here. I know that’s the most important thing for you." Despite the allure of reuniting with Klopp, Gotze ultimately opted to stay in Germany. Liverpool ended up signing Sadio Mane that summer, a decision that would steer the trajectory of both clubs in different directions.

Challenges After Staying in Germany

Following that decision, Gotze's career faced several challenges. After returning to Dortmund in a transfer worth around $28 million, he struggled to find consistent playing time at Bayern Munich and was plagued by injuries. Now playing for Eintracht Frankfurt, Gotze reflects on his past and considers what could have been.

Ambition and Regret

He candidly admits, “I wanted to win things right away. I was so impatient!” At the time, Liverpool had just completed a disappointing eighth in the Premier League, while Dortmund had secured a second-place finish in the Bundesliga. The allure of the familiar—winning titles with friends like Andre Schürrle—seemed enticing.

Reflecting on a Missed Opportunity

Now, looking back, Gotze acknowledges, “As much as I love Dortmund, I feel that I missed out on a special journey with Jurgen. I didn’t understand that he needed time to build a great team at Liverpool. I didn’t think that far ahead.”

The Impact of Timing in Athletic Careers

Had he taken that leap of faith, who knows what legacy Gotze could have contributed to Liverpool's resurgence under Klopp? With Liverpool now internationally recognized as one of football’s greatest clubs, and Klopp himself regarded as a managerial genius, it's a decision that resonates with a profound sense of 'what if.'

A Powerful Reminder

Mario Gotze’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the crossroads athletes often face and the impact of timing on their careers. It's an emotional exploration of ambition, potential, and the lingering 'what might have been' in the beautiful game.