Bayern Munich midfielder Mario Gotze has apologised after he was criticised for joking with Barcelona goalkeeper Marc-Andre ter Stegen after Wednesday's 3-0 defeat at the Camp Nou.
Gotze, 22, has faced criticism for his performances in recent weeks and fallen down the pecking order under Pep Guardiola in recent times, and he found himself under further scrutiny when he chatted with his fellow Germany international at full time.
Ein Wort in eigener Sache!! http://t.co/kUM1zBLKXj pic.twitter.com/MTFAQqx2ZB
- Mario Götze (@MarioGoetze) May 7, 2015
"There were reports in the press that I joked around and had a laugh with my friend Marc-Andre ter Stegen after the match," Gotze said on his official website.
"Those who think that the defeat is of no interest to me are completely wrong. I was every bit as disappointed as each of you fans and my teammates. If that was not the message I conveyed, then I would like to apologise for that!
"I'd also like to add that I give my all for the club at all times, always strive towards achieving success with my team and behave respectfully towards the fans, FC Bayern and the opposing team."
Guardiola said at a news conference on Friday that there was no reason for Gotze to apologise over the incident.
"What's the problem? He can't apologise for talking to a colleague," he said. "Ter Stegen is his friend -- why shouldn't he talk to him? That's not a problem for me."
Gotze, who scored the winning goal in the World Cup final last summer, has seen his reputation deteriorate after a disappointing campaign with the Bundesliga champions.
He had been only introduced from the bench in the 79th minute of the game at Barca, despite Bayern being without both Franck Ribery and Arjen Robben, and he was also left out of the starting XI for the recent DFB Pokal semifinal defeat to Borussia Dortmund.
Ahead of the Barca match, Bayern honorary president Franz Beckenbauer, working as a pundit on Sky, had said it was "time for him to finally grow up."
Guardiola, though, firmly rejected the criticism over Gotze's attitude and contribution.
"He's the best professional I have seen," the Bayern boss said on Friday. "He lives for football. He has played a lot. He has helped a lot. When he's not playing, it's my decision. I can't complain about his performances.
"He's a young player. He's got big potential. I am very satisfied. We need his qualities -- we don't need him to make runs.
"But I only think about what's best for the team. The reason he is not playing is another thing."