Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller explains that Carlo Ancelotti should not be made the scapegoat for the club’s recent struggles.
Just last month Bayern Munich parted ways with Carlo Ancelotti after their 3-0 defeat at the hands of Paris Saint-Germain. The Bavarians have now brought in Jupp Heynckes out of retirement on a short term deal. The legendary manager will lead the club throughout the remainder of this season.
Ancelotti reportedly fell out with his players. There were numerous reports after his departure about the dressing room mutiny against him. Thomas Muller was reported as one of the players who was unhappy with the Italian. However, at a media event (via Goal) in Munich yesterday, Muller defended his former manager. The German said that Ancelotti is not the only one to blame for poor results.
"“A big part of this recent struggles is caused by the team that stands on the pitch and does not perform like people expect it to.“We must be realistic about this and not be of the opinion that Carlo Ancelotti was a scapegoat.”"
Muller struggled under Ancelotti last season, losing his place in the starting XI. He hasn’t been much better this season, and even bemoaned Ancelotti’s apparent lack of trust earlier in the campaign.
The German International will be hoping to get his mojo back under Heynckes. Muller played some of the best football of his career under Heynckes in his previous stints at the club. He was crucial in the club’s treble winning campaign in 2013.
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However, in this interview he also warned the fans that they should not expect a drastic improvement to the team. And he admitted that the team will require some time to get back to their best under Heynckes. Bayern Munich sit five points behind Bundesliga leaders Borussia Dortmund at the moment, and Heynckes faces a tough — but not impossible — task in salvaging the club’s season.