Beckenbauer: Competition for places is tough

Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer says Mario Gomez should not be guaranteed a starting berth when he returns from an ankle injury.

The former Stuttgart man had to watch from the sidelines as his deputy Mario Mandzukic netted a brace in Bayern’s 4-0 drubbing of SSV Jahn Regensburg in the German DFB Pokal on Sunday.

And Beckenbauer said no one should be assured a starting berth in Jupp Heynckes side.

“Bayern is not a kindergarten, where everyone is just pampered,” he told Tz.

“Everyone wants to be cherished, but first you have to prove yourself and then keep on doing so. If you do produce the goods, you will be rewarded.

“Gomez, like everyone, will have to deal with the fact that there is competition at the club.”

Bayern Munich open their Bundesliga campaign this Saturday away to newly-promoted Greuther Furth.