Leave Gotze alone for a while: Bayern official

Munich, Aug 18: German football giants Bayern Munich sporting executive Matthias Sammer on Tuesday said discussions surrounding midfielder Mario Gotze must end and insisted that he be left alone for a while.

The 23-year-old has been linked with a move away from the Bundesliga heavyweights having fallen down the pecking order under manager Pep Guardiola last season, reports espnfc.com.

The German international did not start for the Bundesliga opener on Friday night against Hamburg but came on as a substitute for Arjen Robben 65 minutes into the game which Bayern clinched 5-0.

There has been widespread discussion about the club's treatment of the attacking midfielder, with Bayern having suggested on several occasions that they would have been open to a sale before Gotze told the club he was determined to stay.

"Let's agree on one thing, which is to let Mario just play football for once, whether he has more time on the pitch or a bit less. After every match, Mario and I have to answer questions.

"We've had positive talks with him. He has our trust. Now leave the lad alone for a while. Let me tell you one thing, if you want to win a major trophy, you really need those players," Sammer said.

"You can question things, but having to answer the same questions over and over does not help anyone. We embrace Mario. Thank you very much."