Bayern Munich striker Mario Gomez says that his excellent form of late is a result of the faith shown in him by his club's bosses.
The Germany international has scored nine goals in his last seven Bundesliga matches, ending a drought which had gone on all season and which had seen him the focus of some harsh criticism.
Even Bayern coach Louis van Gaal appeared to have had enough of him by keeping him on the bench until an injury to Miroslav Klose gave him a chance, but while Van Gaal may have still doubted him, club chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge and president Uli Hoeness backed him.
A discussion with them at the start of the season convinced him to stay and he is now paying them back with his goals.
"I am really happy with the situation at the moment and that is also down to the fact that I stayed with Bayern," he said.
"I was told back then in that talk that they had faith in me and that I would get my chance.
"That is exactly what I worked towards. At the moment, we are seeing a Mario Gomez who is currently in very good form."
And even Van Gaal has been won over by the 25-year-old's form.
After his goal against Eintracht Frankfurt at the weekend, the Dutch coach said there is "no way of imagining the side without him".
"I am pleased about that since the coach's faith is always very important," added Gomez in the Bild newspaper.
