Hermann Gerland reveals how Jupp Heynckes almost cost Bayern Munich the services of Thomas Müller

Speaking to German outlet Sport1, former Bayern Munich assistant coach Hermann Gerland (though calling him a mere “assistant” is downplaying his role considerably) explained what makes Thomas Müller so incredibly special in the dressing room. While doing so, he shared a short tidbit — Jupp Heynckes even tried to take the Raumdeuter with him to Bayer Leverkusen back in the day.

His quotes were captured by DW Sports in the following tweet, which is reproduced below if you (understandably) cannot stand X/Twitter:

“If someone had told me back then that Thomas would become Bayern’s most successful player of all time 15 years later, I would’ve checked myself into a clinic,” said Hermann Gerland in an interview with @SPORT1.

Hermann Gerland once coached a young Thomas Müller in the Bayern Munich reserve team.

“It wasn’t only me who saw something in Thomas, but so did Jupp Heynckes, who wanted to take him to Leverkusen. That’s when I put my foot down.”

“Thomas stays!”

In 25 years altogether at Bayern, Gerland went on to assist several coaches, including Louis van Gaal, Jupp Heynckes, Pep Guardiola, Carlo Ancelotti, Niko Kovac and Hansi Flick.

And Müller always stayed.

“He always played the way the next coach wanted him to. Thomas is simply unbelievable. He’s great on the bus, great in the locker room, great on the training pitch, and great in games. So, four times great!”

These days, he’s probably only three times great, unless you substitute his role in games for his role in the club’s social media marketing. It is interesting to learn that Müller almost went to Leverkusen — maybe his career would have taken the same direction as Toni Kroos, who spent a year on loan there (under Jupp Heynckes!) before returning to Bayern Munich to make a name for himself. It would make for a fine what-if scenario, if you’re interested in that sort of thing.