Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez has insisted that he is close to regaining his touch in front of goal after overcoming a troublesome knee injury.
A series of injuries has prevented the former Bayern Munich attacker from showcasing his best form at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
Fiorentina striker Mario Gomez has insisted that he is close to regaining his touch in front of goal after overcoming a troublesome knee injury.
A series of injuries has prevented the former Bayern Munich attacker from showcasing his best form at Stadio Artemio Franchi.
However, the 29-year-old is adamant that his issues are now behind him.
“I'm fine and I really want to score. [The will to score] is always there, but football is like this,” Gomez intimated at a Press conference.
“We shouldn't complain too much, because we can only help ourselves by working in training. All is not lost, though, as we do some things very well, but it's true that we can do more.
“Before the injury, I said that I lacked the confidence. I've now been fit for the last four weeks, and I'm working well with the team.
“In the last few matches, I had many chances to score. It's true that I missed them, but it's important to feel comfortable and have opportunities. Then your luck in front of goal comes.
“You don't have to look for it. I've been out for a year, so naturally you don't do things like you did before straight away.
“I have to find my rhythm, but now we mustn't talk too much about lacking goals or points. We have to get them on the pitch.”
Gomez commented on his belief that the onus should be placed on the team rather than individuals, before lavishing praise on Khouma Babacar, who he believes 'has everything' to become one of the world's best players.
“We can't think that Marin and I or Babacar and Ilicic can solve problems. We need to think as a team, both in attack and defence. The group is very united,” he continued.
“It's normal that I need the help of the team, but I'll be equally happy if I can give something to the team. Also, Marko has played very little and needs minutes in his legs. He's a great player, I'm sure that he'll help us.
“I once said that I saw two big players in Babacar and Bernardeschi. Baba will have a great career.
“He has everything it takes to become a great striker. Thank goodness he stayed with us. If he wasn't with us at this time, I don't know where we'd be…
“It's possible [that Babacar and I play together] of course. We played together in Warsaw and we can do it again.”
The Germany international also denied that both his and Fiorentina's recent struggles on the pitch were down to a lack of mental strength.
“When you lose a game, you become a bit nervous, but it also happens to Bayern and Juventus,” Gomez stated.
“We have strong players for this type of situation, and it's important to give 100 per cent on the pitch so the luck will come. We don't speak about psychological problems.
“I need to feel confident in front of goal, not in how I get the ball. In my career, however, I realised that conviction only comes with training.
“In our last few games, we didn't play badly, even against Napoli. Three weeks ago, there was a big mess. Now things have changed because we've worked well.
“We'll start thinking about Verona when the players return from international duty. We're trained with high intensity so far, but the questions about tactics will start being posed tomorrow.
“I thought it was better [to rush back], but then I talked to my doctors and they told me that I'd risk a relapse [if I rushed too much]. I always want to play, but the choice belongs to my Coach.”