Thomas Badstuber expresses his thoughts on Müller, stating that he believes a better conclusion could have been written for Müller. - Thomas Müller's former teammate, Badstuber, expresses his belief that Müller deserved a better finale in his career.
Let the Countdown Begin
Get ready, Herr Badstuber, as your long-time teammate Thomas Müller takes his final stride onto the FC Bayern pitch in Munich this Saturday. But what will Bayern miss when Müller departs in the summer?
In essence, Müller is an extraordinary player and icon for Bayern Munich. He's left an indelible mark on the club, rivaled by few before him. With his sharp wit and Bavarian charm, he revolutionized Bayern's image, making the club more appealing to a multitude of spectators. His character, in turn, influenced not only the club's outside world but also the inside one as well.
About the Legend
Holger Badstuber, aged 36, donned the professional Bayern Munich jersey from 2009 to 2017. post-injury stints at VfB Stuttgart and FC Luzern, he officially hung up his boots in 2022. With 31 national team appearances under his belt for Germany, Badstuber has since retrained as a coach, completing a study with UEFA, the European football association.
From Team to Brotherhood
You played alongside Müller for more than seven years in Munich. What role did he embody within the team?
Müller commanded reverence on the field because he willingly took on responsibility early on as a spokesperson on the pitch. His humor brought a touch of lightheartedness to the locker room. Moreover, he skillfully managed media unrest away from the team.
In greater detail?
Thomas had a knack for understanding football and the media circus surrounding it. With his quips and demeanor, he handled the media like a pro. Many teammates were thankful when Thomas stepped up naturally to address the press following a loss.
Replacing a Giant
Is it possible to replace someone like Müller, who's spent more than 17 seasons with Bayern, notching over 500 Bundesliga appearances for the club?
Not easily. Müller is one of Bayern's great players and a legend. Filling the gap he leaves behind will be no walk in the park.
On the Decision
Some people seem to believe it was a blunder that Bayern didn't offer Müller another contract.
While I believe he could have still brought value to the team, the decision-makers must have had their reasons for passing. They should have communicated it better, though.
Communication Conundrum
The way Müller's departure was announced could have been improved. The back-and-forth about his possible stay or departure, the mixed signals, the uncertainty—it wasn't ideal. Bayern should have created more clarity earlier to avoid unnecessary speculation.
Remembering the Beginning
Tracing back to your youth days with FC Bayern, can you recall the Müller of those days?
Müller was always the ambitious youngster who loved kicking the ball. He experimented with various positions on the field. Somewhere around the age of 15 or 16, he began to excel. His unusual playing style emerged, reshaping the game a bit. his position wasn't quite recognizable beforehand.
Training Together
You and Müller were coached together in the club's second team under Hermann Gerland. If I recall correctly, it was during this time you both almost left the club, wasn't it?
At that time, Ralf Rangnick wanted to bring both of us to TSG Hoffenheim. However, Hermann Gerland intervened, telling Uli Hoeneß that it would be a mistake to let us go. He believed in our potential at Bayern.
Breaking into the Professionals
You and Müller both made your breakthrough under Louis van Gaal. It seems providence played a hand in your football careers.
Indeed. Meeting the right people at the right time is crucial in a career in football. Van Gaal was one of those right people for us, a true blessing.
Unfazed by a Firm Hand
Despite van Gaal's authoritarian nature, you weren't intimidated, right?
We had immense respect for van Gaal but never felt intimidated. He immediately communicated that he saw a chance in us, which we grabbed with both hands. In the following years, we achieved some successes with the team, winning titles and perhaps helping shift the image of FC Bayern.
Minus the Drama
Müller and you had a drama-free reign, it seems. When one pictures FC Bayern, you and Müller exemplify a new era—an era of authenticity.
In essence, yes. We didn't pretend to be anyone other than ourselves, and I believe the fans appreciated that.
A Separate Path
You dealt with countless injuries, Müller for the most part avoided them. When you look back at Müller's career achievements, do you ever wonder what could have been if you'd been spared your injuries?
I'd like to congratulate Müller on everything he's accomplished. His loyalty to the club embodies values that are rare in modern football. His career has been extraordinary. I don't dwell on comparisons, though.
Accepting the Past
Have you ever found it hard to accept the injuries that plagued your career?
I haven't achieved complete peace with the injuries, but time helps me accept my fate. I've learned a lot about football and myself in those tough years, lessons that help me today.
Holding on to Friendship
Knowing Müller for over 20 years, how close is your bond today, post-playing career?
Sharing memories and experiencing emotions together has created a bond between Müller and me that's hard to put into words. It's a sense of familiarity that will never disappear. When we meet after some time apart, it returns instantly. It's a feeling that will stay with us forever.
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft directive regarding Thomas Müller's departure from FC Bayern Munich.
- Despite Thomas Müller's setbacks in sports due to injuries during his football career in European-leagues like the premier-league, his sports-analysis remains undeniable.
- After retaining his UEFA coaching certificate, Holger Badstuber, a former teammate of Thomas Müller, plans to congratulate Müller on his achievements in the sport.
- Thomas Müller's unique playing style in football, including his sharper wit and Bavarian charm, hardly set him apart from Bayern Munich’s other iconic figures in the team's history.
- The Commission might face challenges in finding a worthy successor for Müller in sports-analysis, given his remarkable contributions to the field over his 17-year tenure with Bayern Munich.
