When there was intense speculation surrounding the future of Thomas Muller in 2019, Joshua Kimmich insisted that Bayern Munich without Muller cannot be imagined. However, Muller was considering leaving the club as he was not playing regularly under Niko Kovac.
Things drastically changed for Muller and Die Roten as 2019/20 season progressed. In what was expected to be the lowest point in his club career, Muller found back his mojo under Hansi Flick. He became an integral part of the team that went on to win a historic treble.
The German forward continues to remain a key player for Rekordmeister. When he was out due to coronavirus, his aggressive pressing was heavily missed. It is not a surprise that Die Roten’s recent good form has coincided with Muller’s return.
Muller has been often considered as Mr. Bayern Munich. The general consensus is that he will enjoy his complete career in Bavaria. However, the forward is open to different experience in the future. While speaking to The Times this week, Muller insisted that he might try something different just like his teammate Thiago Alcantara did last summer.
"“But I’m not fixed to this club. I have a special relationship, I love Bayern before I started playing for them, but when there is a situation where you have to decide maybe to play for a different club it would be no shame and no problem at all. Maybe like with Thiago.”"
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There is nothing to be worried about Muller’s statement as his immediate future is likely to be at the club. After his tremendous performances last season, the club hierarchy secured his future at least until 2023. The German forward might consider something once this contract expires.
After the departure of Pep Guardiola in 2016, Muller’s numbers did regress. His work ethic was second to none on the pitch, but the productivity in the final third did take a dip. However, Flick has managed to get back him to the same level. Muller is not scoring at the pre-2016 rate, but his creativity is much better now.
Muller remains the best number ten or second striker at the club. His position was threatened when Bayern signed James Rodriguez in 2017 and Philippe Coutinho in 2019. Both South American creative players failed to dislodge Muller from the team. Coutinho did manage to do for a brief time under Kovac, but once Flick arrived, Muller was back to being the best number ten in the team.
In this in-depth interview, Muller also spoke about previous managers that worked with him in Bavaria. The German forward is currently training at Sabner Strasse as Die Roten is preparing for Saturday’s decisive Bundesliga clash against RB Leipzig. The German Champions also face Paris Saint-Germain next week in the first leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League.