German World Cup Hero Regrets Decade-Old Decision: “I Didn’t Understand Back Then…”

“It wasn't the right idea,” stated Götze, who famously secured Germany the World Cup title in 2014 with his goal against Argentina. The former international returned to Dortmund in 2016 from then-German champions Bayern Munich.

Under Thomas Tuchel, Dortmund finished second in the Bundesliga. “I thought, okay, I know the environment. They have a good team. Maybe we’ll challenge Bayern for the title,” he explained regarding his decision at the time.

The 34-year-old added that he had other offers, including one from Liverpool: “Other options were clubs in Great Britain or Italy. But these teams weren't playing in the Champions League.”

Liverpool, under Klopp, had finished 8th the previous year and failed to qualify for the prestigious competition. “I regret not moving there. I wondered whether the club or Klopp would make me a better player. Looking back, Jürgen had a huge impact on me and the club,” Götze reflected. Klopp coached him at Dortmund from 2009 to 2013.

However, the German footballer admitted he was wary of the high expectations that would come with such a transfer. “At the time, I didn't understand that some things take time. In hindsight, it's easy, of course, but it's an important lesson for me.

What Klopp understands, and what most coaches perhaps don't, is how to deal with people. Managing players, expectations, shaping the team as a whole – he understood that perfectly. He knows exactly what he wants and what he demands,” Götze told The Athletic.