Some people owe Gotze an apology – Watzke

Critics will be forced to apologise to Mario Gotze when he returns to his previous heights, Borussia Dortmund chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke believes.

Gotze has disappointed since returning to the Signal Iduna Park after a three-year stint at Bundesliga rivals Bayern Munich, where he never really settled completely.

The 24-year-old has made 15 appearances in all competitions, scoring just twice, admitting this month that such statistics could be better.

Asked whether he was sure Gotze was not heading towards a dead end in his career, Watzke told Fussball Bild: “Certainly! I’m sure that some people owe Gotze an apology, if they have the grace to do so.”

Watzke also denied reports that Gotze was signed without the consent of coach Thomas Tuchel.

He said: “In the Tuchel era we have not signed any players the coach did not want, and it was the case with Mario.”

The future of star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang also continues to be a source of great speculation.

Aubameyang has made no secret of his desire to play for Real Madrid, while reports of a mega-offer from Chinese Super League side Shanghai SIPG were refuted by Watzke this month.

However, Watzke is not concerned about the Gabon international departing in the immediate future.

“It would be best for all those involved if he stays here for the next few years. There is no evidence for a planned farewell,” said Watzke.

“If a player has sold his house or his apartment in the spring, then you get a bit nervous, but Auba has just bought a house here.

“We have always said that on the day an attractive change comes, we will speak to him.”