Bayern are wasting Gotze's talent, says Kahn

The midfielder was accused of playing like a youth player by Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer, but has been backed by two high-profile figures

Former Bayern Munich and Germany goalkeeper Oliver Kahn believes his old club are wasting Mario Gotze's talent by leaving him on the bench.

The former Borussia Dortmund man has struggled to find his best form this season and was left out of the starting XI for both legs of Bayern's Champions League semi-final against Barcelona.

Gotze was heavily criticised by Germany legend Franz Beckenbauer for giving the ball away too much earlier this month, but  Kahn says the 22-year-old isn't entirely to blame and wants head coach Pep Guardiola to resolve the issue and make the most of the Germany international's ability.

"Guardiola gives Gotze minutes when the game is already over," he said to ZDF. "They don't take advantage of his talent.

"Muller is playing in the wrong position as well. These problems, with two big players from Germany, must be resolved."

It was only last summer that Gotze scored the winning goal in the World Cup final and Germany boss Joachim Low has hit back at his critics.

"Until recently Mario was the best and everything was going well and now everything is supposedly bad," he said in an interview with the DFB's official website. "You can't meet everybody's expectations.

"For me it is clear that Mario is an exceptional talent, a player who can make a difference. For me he is without doubt one of the best players in the world."