Gomez up for Battle with Klose for Number One Spot
Germany's in-form striker Mario Gomez admitted that despite his present goal-scoring streak he still faced a battle with veteran Miroslav Klose to be their first choice striker at Euro 2012.
The 26-year-old Bayern Munich star - who was honored by being made captain for last Friday's friendly with Euro 2012 co-hosts Ukraine - also paid tribute to Germany coach Joachim Loew for his loyalty to him despite a poor start to his international career.
Gomez, who was dropped by Loew from the starting line-up after the pool matches at Euro 2008 and was second-choice behind Klose at last year's World Cup finals, could well start up front with Klose for Tuesday's attractive friendly with the Netherlands.
It had been thought Loew would start with the duo against Ukraine - which ended in a 3-3 draw - but Klose, who has scored 62 goals in 112 games for Germany and is six short of Gerd Mueller's all-time record, had to pull out with a knee problem.
However, Loew is keen to experiment in the friendlies ahead of Euro 2012 despite his 4-2-3-1 system being an unqualified success as the Germans won all ten Euro 2012 qualifiers and finished third at last year's World Cup.
Gomez realizes, though, that while they may play alongside each other on Tuesday Loew could revert to just the lone striker for Euro 2012 and then he would have a real battle with Lazio striker Klose.
"It is still a fight between Miroslav and me, we both want the same place," said Gomez.
"My task is to stay fit, keep my form and keep scoring goals.
"Then the national coach has to decide who is the best for the team."
Gomez is one of Europe's most prolific strikers with 20 goals in 18 games for Bayern Munich this season and seven goals in nine games for Germany this year taking his total haul for the national side to 21 in 50 matches.
Gomez - who was the German league's top scorer last season with 28 goals in 32 games - said that given his modest record early on the thought he would one day get the chance to captain Germany would have been seen as nonsensical.
"A few years ago, I am sure no one would have thought that I would lead the team out on the pitch," said Gomez.
"The date of 11/11/2011 will always have good memories for me."
Gomez says he appreciated the faith Loew has shown in him over the years, especially after the dark days following Euro 2008 when many in the German media questioned his ability for the national team.
"I know the coach is assured of my qualities and he was on my side, especially in the time after Euro 2008 when there was a lot of pressure on me," said Gomez.
"I have always felt he was behind me over the years.
"For a long time, I didn't show what I could do in the international games and for a footballer, that is the worst.
"When you aren't free mentally, it's virtually impossible to score.
"I am pleased that I am now an alternative to Miroslav."
Source: Agence France Presse
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