Thomas Muller: Bayern Munich can’t afford to become complacent

Bayern Munich forward Thomas Muller has urged his teammates to show no complacency in the final stretch of the season.

Normality was restored in the Bundesliga this past weekend when Bayern Munich regained their position at the top of the table. Die Roten delivered a five-star performance against Borussia Dortmund on Saturday to gain a one-point lead at the summit of the Bundesliga. The title race is far from over yet, but Bayern have the upper hand heading into the final stretch.

Thomas Muller delivered a great performance against Dortmund. His movement caused real problems to Dortmund’s young defense. Speaking to Kicker (via Bundesliga.com), Muller asserted that Bayern cannot afford to become complacent after winning Der Klassiker. The German forward believes his side’s upcoming away games against Fortuna Dusseldorf and Nuremberg will be very difficult as both are fighting to stay in the Bundesliga.

"“Now the title’s in our hands. Six wins from six will do it, but we’ve got to travel to Fortuna Düsseldorf and Nuremberg – they won’t be a walk in the park.They’re fighting for points, and Fortuna are on a good run, so we’ve still got work to do. We haven’t played as well as we did against Dortmund for a long time. We’ve restored the balance of power, but that’ll count for nothing if next week doesn’t go to plan.”"

More from Bayern Strikes

• Bayern Munich: Tactical takeaways from 2-2 draw against Bayer Leverkusen
• Bayern Munich: Kingsley Coman set to be fit for Manchester United clash
• Bayern Munich unlikely to move for Trevoh Chalobah in January
• Bayern Munich: Key lessons from draw against Bayer Leverkusen
• Bayern Munich remains keen on hiring Max Eberl

Bayern Munich have been very inconsistent, in terms of performances, in the league this season. They have dropped points in only two games since December, but the quality of their performances have varied from scrappy to amazing. Niko Kovac’s players delivered some swashbuckling displays in the league before the international break, winning three consecutive games by a margin of five or more goals.

However, they quickly handed the advantage back to Dortmund after the international break by giving a lackluster showing against Freiburg. Kovac expressed his anger after this game as his players were poor for the most of the game. There is no room for error in the league for Bayern, so they cannot afford to have off days like they had in Freiburg.

Muller further insisted that the big win over Dortmund gives Bayern a psychological edge over their rivals. He was happy with the way his team responded in this game as it was a do or die situation for them in the title race. Muller also highlighted the role he played against BVB, insisting he is at his best when playing just behind striker Robert Lewandowski.

Already eliminated from the Champions League, Bayern will be able to put much more of a focus on winning their domestic league. Kovac recently slammed his critics and insisted that a season without the Bundesliga title will not cost him the job. However, after that result against Dortmund, it will be very disappointing if Bayern don’t retain the title.