The VfB Stuttgart striker, who failed to score in the last 13 matches with the three-time world champions, squandered several opportunities in Germany's 4-0 win over Liechtenstein in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, and was vilified as a result.

"He has a great career in front of him. He is young. We have to give him time," Bierhoff told reporters when asked about the misfiring 23-year-old.

The former Germany hitman referred to a previous quote released by basketball legend Michael Jordan, who once stated he missed more than 9,000 shots and lost 300 matches throughout his glittering career.

"Hopefully this quote is something that Mario will appreciate," said Bierhoff. "This is part of every striker's career. You cannot talk about a sporting crisis as he has continued to score for his club.

"This is purely a mental issue. For strikers this is always the case. That’s part of a career."

Gomez notched six goals for Germany in 22 matches. His last international goal was against Switzerland a year ago.