I don´t need an ego-boost, insists Bayern´s Gomez

Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez has refuted suggestions in the German press that his re-found form is only down to having his ego boosted by Bayern’s Dutch coach van Gaal.

“I’m not as sensitive as I am often presented in the media,” the Germany forward, who has scored 15 goals in his last ten matches, told German magazine Sport Bild.

“I do not need to hear compliments every day. I just do my job the best I can and Louis van Gaal has chosen me when everyone was available.”

The 25-year-old became the most expensive signing in Bundesliga history when he moved to Munich from Stuttgart in July 2009 for 30 million euros (39 million US dollars).

Last season, van Gaal preferred to use Croatia’s Ivica Olic and Miroslav Klose, but Gomez has taken his chances this season and says he has thrived under van Gaal’s guidance.

“I have grown under his leadership, I am no longer just a goal-scorer,” he said having scored nine Bundesliga goals and netted six times in the Champions League recently.

“My passing has improved and I have become more patient, I don’t just run after the ball across the field.”

Born in Germany to Spanish parents, Gomez added he will “not join any other German club: anything that follows Bayern will just be worse”.

Defending champions Bayern face Schalke 04 on Saturday and are fifth in the Bundesliga, 14 points behind leaders Dortmund.