Bayern Munich sporting director Matthias Sammer has insisted that the club are fully behind Mario Gotze despite his below-par form in recent weeks.

Gotze has struggled to secure a regular starting spot in Pep Guardiola's side in the second half of the season, and despite criticism from honorary club president Franz Beckenbauer, Sammer claims that the attacking midfielder will be supported.

"Mario has a contract, so why should he have no future?" the director told Bild.

"He is a young player and many of them need a bit of time. We are by his side, we'll help him. He has our full support and of course we need him."

Bayern return to action against Freiburg on Saturday afternoon.