Tuchel praises Müller: He is a "playing legend"
Thomas Tuchel has praised Thomas Müller's services to FC Bayern Munich and expects the international to continue his career at the very highest level. "Thomas is an integral part of our team, is an icon for the club, a playing legend," said the coach of Germany's record soccer champions on Thursday. As expected, Müller had announced his intention to continue his career beyond the end of the season.
"Of course we want him in the team and it goes without saying that he wants to continue playing," said Tuchel. "He's in top form at the moment, keen to train, keen to play. He's a footballer through and through. Why shouldn't he continue to play at the very highest level?" Even if Müller does not currently have the playing time that makes him "absolutely happy", he is very positive about the 34-year-old.
Not only Müller's contract expires
Müller's contract, like those of captain Manuel Neuer, Sven Ulreich, Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting and Bouna Sarr, expires at the end of the season. Apart from his seven years as a child at TSV Pähl, Müller only played for the German top flight. "He is a veteran of the club - there will never be another like him," said President Herbert Hainer recently. There is no rush on the contract issue. "He knows how much we all appreciate him."
Müller, who is one of the top earners in the team, has made a fundamental decision. He wants to continue his career at the highest level and continue to play in the Champions League. According to "Sport Bild", he has not ruled out a move within the Bundesliga - although this is difficult to imagine.
Müller for Musiala again?
Following the absence of Jamal Musiala, who is still missing, as is Matthijs de Ligt, Tuchel is likely to start Müller again in the starting eleven against 1. FC Köln on Friday evening (8.30pm). The serial title winner has long since come to terms with the fact that the long-standing "Müller always plays" maxim no longer applies and that he is mainly needed as a wild card in the home stretch of his career.
Müller's potential move within the Bundesliga could disrupt the transfer market, as many clubs would be interested in signing the experienced player. The national team could benefit from keeping Müller, as his skills and experience could be instrumental in their future matches.
Source: www.dpa.com
