Franz Beckenbauer: 'Mario Gotze needs to improve'

Bayern Munich legend Franz Beckenbauer has warned Mario Gotze that he must improve his form if he is to be considered a success at the club.

Despite playing regularly under Pep Guardiola, Gotze was often criticised by his own supporters last season and the World Cup winner's agent recently suggested that he did not receive enough support from Bayern.

However, Beckenbauer believes that the pressure is on the 23-year-old to prove his worth as he looks to finally silence his doubters.

"I don't know whether Mario is lacking support at Bayern," Beckenbauer told TZ. "He could not have had a better team around him than here at Bayern in the past two seasons. I don't know what kind of support he would need.

"The player himself is responsible for his own performances.

"If he wants to succeed at Bayern and really make an impact in his third season, he might have to change his game. He has to do more, especially in the one-on-ones. You have to offer more at this level."

Gotze made 48 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring 15 goals.