Goetze looking for starting role

Borussia Dortmund star Mario Goetze is targeting a starting role in Germany’s Euro 2012 campaign.

The 19-year-old has emerged as a key player for the Bundesliga champions over the past 18 months and is looking to transfer his domestic form to the national team.

However, his path to the first team is blocked by the likes of Lukas Podolski and Thomas Mueller.

Goetze said displacing such established stars will be a challenge.

“A footballer wants to play. And in such a great tournament, everyone is up for it,” Goetze told Kicker.

Goetze has been mostly utilised in a playmaking role for Joachim Loew’s side and believes he would be able to function in tandem with Mesut Oezil, citing Barcelona’s use of multiple creative midfielders as an example.

“Why not? Barcelona have a few creative players and they go from success to success.”

Meanwhile, Goetze said his chances of staying at his current club are not dependent on Champions League football.

“The Champions League is a great competition. We will hopefully play a better role in it next season. But my further cooperation with BVB (Dortmund) doesn’t depend on it.”

“Anyone who plays for a club like Dortmund can only imagine extending their stay there. But this isn’t a current issue. I wouldn’t rule it out, but I won’t guarantee it.”