It is crazy to think about, but Manuel Neuer and Thomas Müller are the last two remnants of the Bayern Munich team that tore apart Europe in 2013. Neuer has now spent a total of 13 years as a key player at Bayern, defying time and competition to retain his #1 spot, but Müller has done so for even longer. How does he do it? What makes him so special?
Fortunately, after Thomas Müller’s record breaking 710th appearance for Bayern Munich against SC Freiburg in the Bundesliga, Manuel Neuer took the time to write a tribute about the new record holder, as captured by @iMiaSanMia, and, from the perspective of a man who has worked 13 years with Müller, explained to us why Thomas is so special:
“What makes Thomas special? That he carries the Bayern DNA in him. He’s a guy who always wants to win. I don’t think I know any other footballer who is as ambitious as him, or who learns so many things so quickly. No matter what kind of game you present him with, he can do it in no time. Thomas is simply a winner. We need players like that.
Thomas stands for communication like no other. He keeps the boys on track by talking a lot on the pitch and thinking strategically, especially how we attack and defend together from the front. When we played without spectators during the Corona period, everyone watching on TV saw how much Thomas communicates during a game. That was a very important factor, especially in the knockout games in Lisbon, when we won the Champions League. In recent years, Thomas has also learned to listen more and more. He pays a lot of attention to others and takes others along with him. He is very lively and can respond well to his counterpart.
Thomas also stands for the right timing. He has a nose for being in the right spaces and making the right decisions. And he can read the opposing goalkeeper. I always enjoy the challenges in training against him. Off the pitch, we both talk a lot about the things that are important at FC Bayern, the things that concern us. Thomas is someone who is very honest and direct. His Bavarian mentality matches my Ruhr area mentality. Thomas has shaped an era at FC Bayern. We have won the Champions League twice and won eleven league titles in a row. Without Thomas Müller, his qualities as a footballer and his character, none of this would have been possible. That’s why he has the highest priority for me, not just at FC Bayern, but also in the German national team, where we became world champions together in 2014. There are hardly any players who come close to Thomas Müller
I’m very happy to have played in a team with Thomas for so long. He always jokes and keeps us in a good mood. I think he’s the player who knows the most jokes by heart. He looks bizarre in some of the celebration photos and he does funny dances at title parties. I have so many moments with him that I like to look back on – and I think there will be more to come.”
Looking for more thoughts and analysis on the current state of Bayern Munich under Vincent Kompany? What about four key storylines to follow after international break? Or…what about why Jamal Musiala snubbing by the Ballon d’Or committee might create some longer-term issues for the Bavarians? Great, then we have you covered with this latest edition of the Bavarian Podcast Works — Weekend Warm-up Show! You can get the podcast on Patreon, Spotify, or below:
