Bayern Munich’s star trio of Mats Hummels, Jerome Boateng and Thomas Muller have been axed from the German national team by Joachim Low.
Like Bayern Munich, thr German national team is taking decisive steps to rebuild a younger team after a disappointing World Cup last summer. Despite undergoing much criticism, Joachim Low has been trusted to continue leading Germany into a new era. Low took a massive step in his plans to add youth to Germany’s aging squad when he travelled to Munich to meet with a few of Bayern’s senior players.
The German coach held a meeting with Thomas Muller, Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng at Sabener Strasse. The trio was informed by Low that they will not be considered for a national team call-up from now onwards. The DFB released an official statement, in which Low paid tribute to the trio’s contribution to the national team and explained the reason behind his bold decision.
"“2019 is a new beginning for the Germany national team. It was important for me to personally explain my decision to the players and the FC Bayern management.“Now it’s time to set the course for the future. We want to give the team a new look. I am convinced that this is the right step. The youngsters coming through will have the room they need to grow. Now it’s up to them to take on responsibility.”"
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Thomas Muller, Jerome Boateng and Mats Hummels have 246 German caps between the three of them. The trio played a crucial role in Germany’s 2014 World Cup win in Brazil. Muller has scored ten goals for Germany in the three World Cups in which he has featured. Hummels and Boateng, meanwhile, have formed a solid center-back partnership for Germany for much of the past decade.
Boateng released a heartfelt message on Twitter, expressing his pride and honor to have represented Germany for so many years. The players have not talked to the media about this, though, as they are focused on Bayern’s big upcoming matches.
Despite Low’s decision, Bayern still have several representatives on the German national team. Manuel Neuer still serves as his nation’s captain, while Joshua Kimmich, Leon Goretzka, Niklas Sule and Serge Gnabry can still play important roles for years to come.
Neuer, along with Real Madrid’s Toni Kroos, is one of the only experienced players left in the German squad. Next summer’s Euros will likely be the last big tournament for both of these two players. Low has made the right decision in wanting to reinvigorate his squad, but it should have made straightaway after the 2018 World Cup.
Bayern Munich released a statement earlier today to show their dissatisfaction on the timing of Low’s decision. The club is irritated that Low made his announcement now, as the players are preparing for a string of crucial Bundesliga and Champions League matches.