Pep Guardiola has backed Mario Gotze to succeed at Bayern Munich despite his struggles to make an impact of late.
Gotze, 23, who joined Bayern from Borussia Dortmund in 2013, has endured a frustrating campaign at the Allianz Arena.
The Germany international was sidelined for four months with a groin injury earlier this season and has made just one start for the Bavarians since returning in February.
Gotze has been heavily linked with a move away from Bayern recently, with Dortmund and Liverpool said to be interested, but Guardiola believes he still has a future at the club.
"I have a lot of respect for Mario and for his career so far," Guardiola said at a news conference. "Of course I know what he can do. My opinion about him does not change because of one good or bad game. Mario can play in any formation, I could have played him in the match against Cologne, but I preferred to play more midfielders.
"I want the best for Mario. He can still succeed at Bayern, and he is a great guy. He deserves the best. Mario is one of the most professional players I have ever met in my career. I have never spoken badly about him, because he never gives me any reason to do so. He is hugely professional."
Ex-Liverpool player Jan Molby told the Liverpool Echo that his former club would do well to secure the services of Gotze, while he believes the midfielder could reunite successfully with Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp, who coached him at Dortmund.
"Three years ago when he left Borussia Dortmund, there wasn't a club in the world that wouldn't have taken Mario Gotze," he said. "Things haven't progressed quite as quickly as we expected since -- although he has scored a World Cup final winner in that time -- but if Liverpool can get him in the summer, they'll be acquiring a top-class talent.
"It can be hard at Bayern Munich. It's a winning machine, like Liverpool in the 1970s and 80s, and if you don't do it for a few games then they'll bring in someone else. Gotze's had injuries and he's had dips in form, and he's lost his way slightly.
"But Klopp has had him firing before. At Dortmund he was irresistible. You can say it would be a gamble if Liverpool were to get him, but he's 23, and has massive ability. You can never have too many good attacking players in your squad. That's what wins you games."