“Leon is one of us”
Match winner Müller suffers from missing Goretzka
Thomas Müller is a true cup expert. Only two former professionals have more games to offer than him. The FC Bayern veteran played a key role in the successful competitive debut for coach Vincent Kompany against SSV Ulm. He then speaks highly of someone who isn't even there.
Despite all his joy about a convincing cup appearance, Thomas Müller also felt for his teammate Leon Goretzka, who was not taken into account. “He doesn't have an easy situation right now, but he's still training really excellently,” said Müller after FC Bayern Munich's 4-0 (2-0) win at SSV Ulm in the first round of the DFB Cup. In a squad as good as that of the record champions, there are always cases of hardship. “But Leon is one of us.”
The almost 35-year-old veteran Müller scored early goals (12th/15th minute) to ensure that Vincent Kompany was able to have a positive start to competitive games as coach of FC Bayern. “It wasn't always perfect, but we played with discipline. 4-0 is good, now we can move on. What's important is that we show the right energy. That's the basis, it has to be there,” said the Belgian coach. Kingsley Coman and substitute Harry Kane (90+3) increased the final score.
In the final phase, Munich's new signings Michael Olise and João Palhinha were also able to play in a competitive game for Bayern for the first time. The signing of the Portuguese Palhinha has further complicated the situation for Goretzka, who is going through the next tough phase after missing the European Championship at home. “I don’t think any player is happy,” said sports director Max Eberl about the midfielder’s exclusion. “If you're a player and athlete, you want to be on the field.” Each player then has to decide for themselves how to deal with it. Goretzka's contract runs until 2026. He is considered a candidate for sale.
Kimmich “doesn’t know what conversations there are”
“In the end, it's not my decision. From a player's point of view, I really like being on the pitch with Leon. I feel a little sorry for him,” said Joshua Kimmich, who formed the midfield center in Ulm together with Aleksandar Pavlovic. “But it's not me who can make a decision, it's a decision for the coach and the club. And I don't know what discussions there are.”
Müller was able to enjoy the evening much more happily. Grinning, colleague Serge Gnabry snapped another photo of Mr. Pokal, who was surrounded by a large crowd of reporters in the Donaustadion. Only Charly Körbel (70 for Eintracht Frankfurt) and Manfred Kaltz (67 for Hamburger SV) played more DFB Cup games for one club than Müller for Bayern (66).
“Someone like Thomas plays in his head like he's in a Champions League final – and that's important,” said Kompany. Ulm's coach Thomas Wörle, once a champion with the FC Bayern footballers, was also enthusiastic. “Crazy, crazy,” said Wörle. Müller's movements are impressive, as is his cleverness.
